Motorcycle Theft in Dominican Republic Rises 46% in 2026

Motorcycle theft in the Dominican Republic increased significantly during the first half of 2026, according to statistics from the National Police, with reported cases rising by 46.2% compared with the same period last year.

Police data shows that 1,961 motorcycles were reported stolen during the first six months of 2026, compared with 1,341 during the first half of 2025. That represents an increase of 620 reported thefts in a single year.

Motorcycle theft rises to more than 10 cases a day

The figures indicate that an average of approximately 75 motorcycles were reported stolen each week during the first half of 2026, equivalent to about 10.7 motorcycles per day.

During the same period in 2025, the average was approximately 51.5 stolen motorcycles per week, or 7.3 per day. The change represents a substantial increase in the frequency of reported motorcycle thefts.

The police statistics refer to reported thefts and do not indicate how many of the stolen motorcycles were subsequently recovered. Investigative and recovery efforts are activated after a theft is reported, according to the information provided by the authorities.

Increase reverses the decline recorded in 2025

The sharp increase during the first half of 2026 contrasts with the trend observed during the previous full year.

In 2024, the National Police recorded 3,962 reported motorcycle thefts across the Dominican Republic. That figure fell to 3,476 in 2025, a reduction of approximately 12.2%, or nearly 500 fewer reported cases.

The latest figures therefore represent a reversal of the improvement recorded in the annual data for 2025. If the pace observed during the first six months of 2026 were maintained throughout the year, the number of reported thefts would exceed the total recorded in 2025, although a six-month figure should not be treated as a forecast for the full year.

District and major provinces account for most cases

The highest number of reported motorcycle thefts was concentrated in the National District and the provinces of Santo Domingo and Santiago, according to the police data.

The concentration in these areas reflects the importance of the country’s largest urban and metropolitan population centers, where motorcycles are widely used for transportation, deliveries and other daily economic activities.

Motorcycles remain a significant target for thieves

Motorcycles play an important role in mobility across the Dominican Republic, particularly for workers who depend on two-wheel vehicles for commuting and income-generating activities. Their relatively widespread use also makes motorcycle security an important issue for owners and businesses.

The latest police figures show that motorcycle theft has become more frequent in 2026, following a decline in reported cases the previous year. The data also highlights the importance of reporting thefts promptly so that authorities can begin identification and recovery efforts.

For now, the police statistics provide a picture of reported theft during the first half of the year but do not include a corresponding national figure for recovered motorcycles. Further data later in 2026 will be needed to determine whether the increase continues during the second half of the year.