APD Turns the Tide on Auto Theft: From 10,000 Stolen Cars a Year in 2016 to Fewer Than 4,000 in 2025
City on pace to move off the national Top 10 auto-theft list as new crime-fighting tools show major impact.
The Albuquerque Police Department announced today a major milestone in crime reduction, auto thefts in Albuquerque are down 42% year-to-date compared to 2024. In 2016, the department averaged 10,000 auto thefts a year, to now under 4,000 in 2025. This significant improvement places APD on track to advance several spots in national auto-theft rankings, with Chief Medina noting the department is on pace to move off the national Top 10 list when new rankings are released.
City leaders emphasized that this success is the result of a layered, technology-driven strategy supported by strong leadership and a highly motivated Auto Theft Unit. Investments in tools such as the Grappler, License Plate Readers (LPRs), an expanded Bait Car Program, and APD’s Drone Unit have fundamentally changed the department’s ability to respond to and prevent auto theft.
The Auto Theft Unit has also expanded its reach by utilizing 12 collateral officers, who support investigations, respond during operations, and play a key role in boosting arrest numbers. These officers bring experience from across the department and know exactly what’s needed and how to execute it.
Additionally, the Auto Theft Unit works closely with field officers, a partnership that has been essential in bringing auto-theft numbers down. Patrol officers often locate stolen vehicles in real time through the help of license plate readers, respond to in-progress thefts, and coordinate quickly with detectives, creating a more effective and unified response to repeat offenders.
“Our city is seeing real results because APD is leveraging every tool we’ve invested in, technology, partnerships, and proactive policing, to stay ahead of auto-theft offenders,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This 42% drop represents stolen cars recovered, firearms seized, and repeat offenders taken off our streets. It’s the direct outcome of a strong, well-supported team and a department that’s pushing hard on innovation.”
APD highlighted several key accomplishments from its Auto Theft Unit this year:
- 227 arrests
- 42 bait-car activations, resulting in 45 arrests
- 25 firearms recovered
- 278 cases closed
- 25 Grappler deployments
“Critics often say we just need more officers and that technology isn’t the solution, but our officers will tell you the opposite, these tools make them more effective and safer,” said Chief Harold Medina. “Drones give us instant visibility during searches, the Grappler safely ends dangerous pursuits, and LPRs and bait cars help us get ahead of auto thieves before they strike again. We’re running the most comprehensive auto-theft strategy this department has ever seen, and the results speak for themselves.”
APD also highlighted a recent case demonstrating the impact of this coordinated approach. James Hamlin, a convicted felon with an extensive history of violent and property-crime offenses, was taken into custody on November 20 with assistance from multiple APD units. Officers recovered six stolen vehicles, 11 firearms, and a trafficking amount of narcotics during the arrest. Hamlin was wearing an ankle monitor from a prior auto-theft investigation.
Leaders say cases like this illustrate how surveillance tools, field coordination, and investigative expertise work together to dismantle repeat-offender networks and drive down crime across Albuquerque.