Did you know car thefts have gone up, especially in regional areas? Your car is most likely to be stolen if it’s a Holden, Jeep, Land Rover or Audi and was manufactured before 2011. Meanwhile, a separate small survey of motorists claims Queensland is the car theft capital of Australia.
Most thefts in regional NSW
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) reports strong growth in vehicle thefts since the pandemic. In March 2023 thieves stole more vehicles in NSW than in any month since 2017, and up 26.3% since March 2021. Most thefts were in regional areas while in Greater Sydney, thefts are lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Some regions have seen large increases in car thefts:
- New England and North-West (up 67.2%)
- Richmond-Tweed (up 34.5%)
- Far West and Orana (up 31.2%)
- Mid North Coast (up 21.1%).
Two thirds of all stolen cars are recovered. However, cars stolen in regional areas are more likely to be recovered than those stolen in Greater Sydney. It appears regional theft is more opportunistic. Thieves use vehicles for joyriding rather than, for example, stealing them for valuable parts.
Some cars are more likely to be stolen
Holdens have an 80% higher risk and Jeeps have a 70% higher than average risk of being stolen. Land Rovers and Audis are 50% more likely than average to be stolen but Honda and Suzuki have low rates of theft.
The biggest increases in thefts are for these brands:
- Kia (up 87.1%)
- Jeep (up 63.8%)
- Land Rover (up 71%)
- Isuzu (up 50.8%).
Thieves seem to prefer older vehicles. They steal cars manufactured before 2011 nearly twice as often as those manufactured in 2011-2020.
Young men are stealing cars
According to BOCSAR figures, young men (83%) are most likely to steal cars in regional NSW. In fact, half of regional car thieves were under 18, compared to a third of car thieves in Greater Sydney. In 5 years, legal actions against young men have nearly doubled in the regions, and increased by half in Greater Sydney.
There is some evidence that social media posts on TikTok have been encouraging vehicle theft, but this is not definitive.
Queensland is the car theft capital
A recent survey of Australians in January 2023 revealed Queensland is the car theft capital. These percentages of respondents said their cars were stolen in these states:
- Qld – 12.4%
- Vic – 10.0%
- WA – 9.5%
- NSW – 8.7%
- SA – 5.7%.
The survey also found women, generation Z and baby boomers over 65 were more likely than men, younger boomers or millennials to have their cars stolen.
Statistics from 2020-21 found Friday and Saturday nights from 4pm-12pm continued to be the peak times for thefts.
How to deter car thieves
There are some simple ways to deter car thieves:
Don’t:
- leave keys in the ignition or doors or windows unlocked.
- keep spare keys near the wheel.
- leave your valuables in full view.
- keep all your belongings in the car
- store ownership documents in the car.
Do:
- close windows, take your keys, and lock doors.
- use a steering wheel lock
- park facing the kerb or a wall so it’s harder for thieves to drive away
- use a dashcam
- keep keys at home well away from your vehicle.
Your greenslip does not cover you for theft of your vehicle. To be covered for theft, you need to buy third party property fire and theft insurance, or comprehensive insurance.
Green slips cover people who are injured or die in an accident involving your vehicle. Remember to compare prices of greenslips before you renew or begin a registration.
Read more about car theft on holidays.
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