Shocking new statistics show car thefts in Victoria jumped 25 per cent in the 12 months to June 2024 – the highest rates in the state for more than a decade. Figures aren’t much better in other states and insurers are urging motorists everywhere to take some extra safety precautions.
The latest Victorian Crime Statistics Data shows there were 23,248 incidents of theft of a motor vehicle in the state over the 12 months to June this year, representing an increase of around 4500 incidents over the previous year.
Incidents of theft of property from a motor vehicle also went up 5.8 per cent, with an astounding 53,690 offences recorded for the year, an increase of roughly 9000.
In fact, Victoria Police says theft from a motor vehicle represents about 8.9 per cent of all crimes reported in Victoria and is the most common criminal offence reported.
While the stats around motor vehicle theft in Victoria are bad, how do they compare to the other states?
NSW
Across NSW in the 12 months to June 2024, there were 14,891 incidents of motor vehicle theft. While this is certainly better than Victoria, it’s a 12.5 per cent increase on the previous year, showing car theft rates are rising there too.
There were 28,493 incidents of theft from a motor vehicle across the same period, an increase of just a few hundred cases from the previous year.
QLD
There were 19,794 vehicles stolen across Queensland in 2023-24, more than NSW, but with much less population. On a more positive note, the result is a slight drop on the previous year, where there were 20,132 incidents of motor vehicle theft.
Rates of theft from vehicles in QLD are also higher than in NSW (but lower than in Victoria), with 31,155 incidents recorded in the 12 months to September 2024.
WA
Out west, there were 6082 motor vehicles stolen between June 2023 and June 2024, a similar figure to the year before.
However, rates theft of property from a motor vehicle are problematically high in WA. Across the same period, there were 24,413 incidents of theft from vehicles, in a state with around half that of QLD.
SA
In South Australia, there have been 3582 incidents of motor vehicle theft, which is an eight per cent decrease over the same period last year.
More good news, rates of theft from a vehicle in SA have dropped by a significant 17 per cent (8834 incidents vs 10,604 last year).
TAS
The number of stolen motor vehicles in fell by 12 per cent in Tasmania over 2023-24, to 1538 vehicles stolen. Excellent news, however, the fall comes after a 37 per cent increase the previous year.
Stats show motor vehicles were most frequently stolen in Tasmania from residential locations (54 per cent) and in the street (23 per cent).
In the same period, theft from a motor vehicle increased by one per cent to 1808 offences, but this was also following a huge (58 per cent) increase the previous year.
NT
There were 851 vehicles stolen across the Northern Territory in 2023-24, a slight decrease on the previous year. There were also 439 incidents of theft from a motor vehicle, which is surprising given this type of theft is usually more common than taking the car itself.
ACT
In the nation’s capital, around 1100 cars were stolen in the previous year, a rate of around three each day.
What can you do to keep your car safe?
Jeff Ames, general manager of motoring products at insurers RACV, says its essential for drivers everywhere to complete a car security check, as the statistics it’s apparently far too easy for thieves to access valuables in a car, or to steal the car itself.
“Opportunistic thieves will break into or enter a car and take possessions that are easily visible from outside the vehicle, often using the opportunity to steal the car itself,” Mr Ames said.
“It’s crucial to protect your vehicle, including when it’s parked at home, in the street or even in secure carparks.
“If your car is parked at home in a driveway, this doesn’t mean it’s completely safe either – don’t forget to lock the doors, wind up windows and ensure nothing valuable is in plain sight.”
Mr Ames also suggests:
- Removing valuables from your vehicle
- Always locking your car
- Using secure parking if possible, such as a locked garage or parking behind a locked gate
- Installing anti-theft screws on all number plates
“Number plates rank as one of the top items stolen from cars which can then be fitted onto stolen vehicles and used to commit crimes including ram raids, fuel theft, and burglaries, plus the cost impacts and inconvenience to the car owner,” Mr Ames says.
Have you had your car stolen or broken in to? Were you able to recover your losses through insurance? Let us know in the comments section below
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And we the innocent are paying for it. I got my car insurance renewal, a 55% increase! Spent days getting 23 other quotes, and there was only ONE company that offered a cheaper premium. Excess amount has increased (wasn’t so long ago standard excess was $300), agreed value has dived, and premiums soared. My car is alarmed with 2 steering wheel locks, in an alarmed garage, plus very good alert dog. I drive less than 5000kms a year, regularly serviced and detailed. Makes no difference. I had thought of getting an electric gate, but why spend all that money when it doesn’t make one cent of help to a premium?
When I rang my current insurer to discuss this premium, I was floored when they told me that was the best they could do, as the premium was quite low as I lived in a recognized low crime figure area!