Victoria leading state in vehicle theft

According to new data released by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC), Victoria is Australia’s leading state in vehicle theft.

The data shows that profit motivated theft has increased by 27 per cent over two years between June 2014 and 2016, while car theft of all motor vehicles has risen by 34 per cent.

“The increasing number of vehicle thefts is most concerning, given many of these are associated with a growing rate of aggravated burglaries and car-jacking in Victoria,” said Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) Executive Director, Geoff Gwilym.

According to the VACC, vehicle theft will increase in Victoria once laws banning cash payments for scrap metals and cars pass in NSW.

“[The Victorian Government] needs to take direct action immediately,” Gwilym said. “Victorians fear more vehicle theft-related house break-ins, with families bearing the brunt of government inaction.”

While car theft has declined in NSW, Victoria numbers have increased more rapidly than any other state. Passenger and light commercial vehicles remain the most popular amongst thieves with over 15,000 stolen during 2015/2016 financial year (equivalent of three Westfield shopping centre parking lots), while motorcycles remain second with almost 2,300 stolen.

Despite percentages dropping in 2011/2012 Australia wide (-8%), between 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 the country saw a seven per cent increase in car theft, both short term and profit motivated.

Nissan Pulsar N15 1995-2000, Holden Commodore VW 2006-2013 and Toyota HiLux 2005-2011 were the top three vehicles stolen during the last financial year. Holden Commodores appeared in the top 10 most stolen vehicles list five times.