Shocking new statistics show car thefts in Victoria have risen by 25 per cent in the 12 months to June 2024 – the highest rates in the state for more than a decade. The numbers aren’t much better in other states, and insurers are urging drivers everywhere to take extra safety precautions.

The latest Victorian Crime Statistics data shows there were 23,248 incidents of motor vehicle theft in the state in the 12 months to June this year, an increase of around 4500 incidents on the previous year.

Incidents of theft of property from a motor vehicle also increased by 5.8%, with a staggering 53,690 offenses recorded for the year, an increase of around 9,000.

In fact, Victoria Police say theft from a motor vehicle accounts for approximately 8.9% of all reported crime in Victoria and is the most common crime reported.

While Victoria’s car theft statistics are bad, how do they compare to other states?

NSW

In NSW, in the 12 months to June 2024, there were 14,891 incidents of vehicle theft. While this is certainly better than Victoria, it is an increase of 12.5% ​​on the previous year, showing that car theft rates are increasing there as well.

There were 28,493 incidents of theft from a motor vehicle during the same period, an increase of just a few hundred cases from the previous year.

QLD

There were 19,794 stolen vehicles in Queensland in 2023-24, more than NSW but with a much smaller population. On a more positive note, the result is a slight decrease compared to the previous year, where there were 20,132 incidents of vehicle theft.

Vehicle theft rates 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

In the west, they were 6082 motor vehicles stolen between June 2023 and June 2024, a similar figure to the previous year.

However, rates of theft of property from a motor vehicle are problematically high in WA. During the same period, there were 24,413 incidents of theft from vehicles in a state with about half that of QLD.

SADDLE

In South Australia, they were 3582 incidents of motor vehicle theft, which represents an eight percent decrease compared to the same period last year.

More good news, rates of theft from a vehicle in SA have fallen by 17% (8834 incidents compared to 10604 last year).

TAS

The number of vehicles stolen in decreased by 12 percent in Tasmania in 2023-24, at 1538 stolen vehicles. Great news though, the drop comes after a 37% drop. grow the previous year.

The statistics show that motor vehicles were most commonly stolen in Tasmania from residential locations (54 per cent) and on the street (23 per cent).

In the same period, theft from a motor vehicle rose by 1% to 1,808 offences, but this also followed a huge increase (58%) in the previous year.

NT

There were 851 stolen vehicles across the Northern Territory in 2023-24, a slight decrease from the previous year. There were also 439 incidents of theft from a motor vehicle, which is surprising given that 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 about three every day.

What can you do to keep your car safe?

Jeff Ames, managing director of motoring products at insurers RACV, says it’s vital drivers everywhere carry out a car security check as statistics show it’s far too easy for thieves to access valuables in a car or steal the car itself.

“Opportunistic thieves will break into or enter a car and take property that is easily visible from the outside of the vehicle, often using the opportunity to steal the car itself,” Mr Ames said.

“It’s essential to protect your vehicle, including when it’s parked at home, on the street or even in secure car parks.

“Just because your car is parked in a driveway at home doesn’t mean it’s completely safe either – remember to lock the doors, close the windows and make sure nothing of value is in sight.”

Mr. Ames also suggests:

• Removing valuables from the vehicle
• He always locks your car
• Using secure parking if possible, such as a locked garage or parking behind a locked gate
• Installation of anti-theft bolts on all license plates

“Number plates are one of the most important items stolen from cars, which can then be fitted to stolen vehicles and used to commit crimes including ram raids, fuel theft and break-ins, plus the cost and inconvenience impact on the car owner” , Mr. Ames. say.

Has your car been stolen or broken into? Were you able to recover your losses through insurance? Let us know in the comments section below

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