Nashville, TN — Auto theft has emerged as one of the fastest-rising crimes in Nashville and Davidson County in recent months, but new data from the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) suggests that the surge may be slowing. After a sharp increase earlier in the year, the number of auto thefts has dropped by 5.7% compared to 2023, though authorities continue to monitor the issue closely.
As of December 2024, there have been 4,835 reported auto thefts across Davidson County. While this represents a slight decline from last year’s numbers, it marks a significant reduction from the nearly 120% increase observed at the start of the year. The MNPD attributes the drop in part to targeted policing strategies and increased law enforcement efforts in areas most affected by thefts.
Authorities report that auto thefts are occurring in a variety of locations, with shopping centers, apartment complexes, and hotels being particularly vulnerable. Among the city’s various precincts, the East Precinct has seen the highest increase, with a 17.2% rise in thefts. In contrast, the Hermitage precinct experienced a decrease of 132 thefts, a sign that focused policing efforts in certain areas may be having an impact.
Amanda Kozen, a spokesperson for the MNPD, explained that the department has been able to allocate resources effectively, allowing officers to engage in “precision policing,” which targets high-crime areas. “The team is able to dedicate their time to precision policing,” Kozen said, emphasizing the importance of these strategies in reducing crime.
In neighboring Hendersonville, however, the picture is different. Police Chief James Jones reported that auto thefts have remained relatively stable in the area. He attributed the city’s low theft rates to the effective use of crime prevention technologies, particularly the License Plate Recognition (LPR) system, which is widely used throughout Middle Tennessee. “If you steal a car, don’t drive it to Sumner County because we make heavy use of our LPR system,” Jones warned. “Once that car enters the city, our officers are going to know and they’re going to take steps to arrest whoever’s in that car and recover the stolen vehicle.”
LPR technology has become a central focus of debate in the region. While counties surrounding Davidson have already implemented the system, a proposal to expand its use in Nashville was recently voted down by the Metro Council. The proposal would have allowed for greater surveillance coverage, but concerns over privacy rights led to its rejection. Jones, however, defended the technology, explaining that the LPR system is designed to record only basic vehicle information, and only becomes relevant when a stolen or suspicious vehicle is detected. “What we explain to people is: you don’t have to be concerned about your privacy,” he said. “The LPR cameras are nearly there to help record the vehicles going through, and it doesn’t even create an issue unless you’re driving a vehicle that is stolen or has been utilized in a crime.”
As Nashville continues to combat the rising issue of auto theft, the city’s approach to law enforcement and technology remains a point of contention. While some argue for expanded surveillance to deter crime, others express concerns over potential privacy violations. Regardless, both local authorities and residents agree that addressing auto theft remains a top priority, especially as the number of stolen vehicles continues to affect neighborhoods and businesses across the city.
