Vehicle thefts are on the rise. Here’s what you should know.

Vehicle trends are on the rise in Michigan and around the country, prompting state leaders to update laws to reflect evolving technology.

In 2023, auto insurers reported 25,272 stolen vehicles, which was a 45% increase, or 7,854 more thefts than the state reported in 2018.

Thefts had generally been on the decline before 2018 thanks to improved high-tech, anti-theft devices.

Since then, however, Michigan had four year-over-year increases, followed by last year’s 2% dip. Nationally, last year represented the highest total in more than a decade.

Related: Theft of more than 400 vehicles in Michigan leads to the arrest of 6 men

David Glawe, president and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), said criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, including the use of advanced technology to bypass security systems.

“From keyless entry hacks to relay attacks on key fobs, allegations are exploiting vulnerabilities in modern vehicle security measures with alarming success rates,” Glawe said in a prepared statement.

“It is critical that industry and law enforcement work together to develop more effective strategies for combating auto theft and safeguarding public safety.”

This summer, Michigan has strengthened its existing law prohibiting possession of technology designed to unlock or start a motor vehicle, with the intent to steal the vehicle. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a pair of bills after they cleared the House and Senate with bipartisan support.

A violation of the updated law is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison, or 10 years if found to be part of a criminal enterprise.

Previous laws already prohibit traditional burglary tools with the intent to break into a structure and/or to steal money or property. The updated legislation addresses evolving technology.

Legislators specifically referenced devices like “AutoProPADs” which are used by mechanics to reprogram a vehicle’s remote key fob. Such devices have been used criminally to steal vehicles in less than a minute, according to state officials.

Related: Dude, where’s my car? The 10 most stolen vehicles in 2023

Attorney General Dana Nessel said her department plans to “aggressively” enforce the new law in ongoing and future cases.

“By cracking down on the possession and illegal use of tools like pro pads, these bills represent a step toward enhancing our ability to prosecute and dismantle criminal organizations involved in these crimes,” Nessel said.

Vehicles are most commonly stolen from a residence (36.5%), on a street, alley or highway (28%), or in a parking lot/garage (22.4%), according to state police data from 2022. Michigan’s data from 2023 isn’t ‘t expected to be available until October.

Of the vehicles reported stolen in 2022, about 54% were recovered.

To reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen, officials recommend parking in well-lit areas, shutting off and locking your doors before leaving your vehicle, rolling up all windows, and taking your keys with you.

If a vehicle is stolen, report it as soon as possible to local law enforcement and your insurance provider. Often times, insurers need a police report before honoring a claim.