Profit-motivated car thefts in Australia are rising with NSW topping the list according to figures released by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.
ACCORDING TO NEW figures by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, profit-motivated thefts in Australia are on the rise.
RACQ Executive Manager Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding said: “These thefts are purely motivated by the desire to strip or sell the vehicle for profit”.
“In the vast majority of cases, the car keys are stolen. For thieves, it’s as easy as if you get the keys, you get the car.”
Mr Spalding said older model cars were often targeted as they were easier to steal.
“Older cars aren’t fitted with the latest security technology that newer cars have, and as result they’re easier targets,” he said.
“If you have an older vehicle, we’d recommend you retrofit an immobiliser.”
In the 12 months to September (2015) total vehicle thefts increased 2% to 40,731 across Australia. Motorcycle thefts were static (8194) and thefts of heavy vehicles decreased by 4% to 2609 vehicles. While short-term thefts, where the vehicle is stolen and taken for a joyride and then either returned or burnt, increased by 2% to 30,554, those vehicles stolen and then stripped and sold-off for profit also increased 2% this year to 10,177 vehicles.
In NSW, profit-motivated thefts hit nearly 4000 vehicles, while Victoria maintained its lead in short-term thefts with almost 9000 vehicles stolen and taken for a joy ride.
Only Queensland and South Australia realised a drop. Queensland saw short-term thefts decrease but realised an increase in ‘black market’ car thefts, while South Australia realised a significant drop in both short-term and profit-motivated vehicle thefts.
Ms Spalding said one of the best ways to prevent your car from being stolen was to be smart about security.
“It may seem simple, but just parking in a safe well lit street or area can make all the difference. Keep your car secure, treat your keys like cash and avoid leaving valuables in sight.”
