Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, now Purdue in Indianapolis and IU-Indianapolis, saw more than four times the number of car and other motor vehicle thefts on campus in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the recently released IU Annual Security Report. In 2022, there were nine motor vehicle thefts, which jumped to 40 in 2023, a significant increase compared to other Indiana University campuses.
In the report, thefts and attempted thefts of electric bikes and scooters were also classified as motor vehicle thefts.
IU Bloomington, for example, saw an increase of 225%, going from eight motor vehicle thefts in 2022 to 18 in 2023. IU Fort Wayne and IU Northwest both saw very minor increases, while IU East, IU Columbus, IU South Bend, IU Kokomo and IU Southeast reported no motor vehicle thefts.
“The majority of the Motor Vehicle Theft statistics [at IUPUI] were part of a nationwide trend involving Kia and Hyundai manufactured vehicles,” according to the report.
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Wider trends
During that time, Indianapolis also saw a significant increase in Kia and Hyundai car thefts.
The trend was primarily due to both brands building vehicles without standard security technology. A study recently found that a software update led to a decrease in thefts earlier this year, but not before a class-action lawsuit cost both companies millions.
Fort Wayne also saw a 25% increase in the overall number of car thefts, as did Bloomington from 2022 to 2023.
Several students have also reported catalytic converter thefts on campus over the last several years as part of a statewide trend that led to Jiffy Lube of Indiana launching their Catalytic Converter Identification Initiative after talks with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Daily crime and fire logs for all IU campuses can be found here.