Most popular stolen vehicles

The RACV has shared a list of the most popular cars for thieves to target, and some tips on how to reduce the risk of your ride being stolen.

Over 13,000 vehicles were stolen in Victoria in 2021 – 22, according to the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA).

The most common time for car thefts was between 6 – 9 pm on Fridays, with the top four car models stolen being the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Hilux.

Utes such as the Hilux are also among the most in-demand vehicles on the used car market, with prices surging thanks to the semiconductor shortage crippling supply of new cars into Australia.

This data highlights the need for Victorians to be mindful of simple ways they can help reduce the risk of car theft, according to Neighbourhood Watch Victoria CEO Bambi Gordon.

“Relaxed attitudes to property security, including cars, make it easier for opportunistic thieves to take advantage of Victorian motorists and steal cars directly from properties and driveways,” Ms Gordon said.

Common reasons for car theft include keys being left in easy-to-find places, valuables being left in cars, poor car security, and ease of access for thieves into homes.

“Older models can be hot-wired, but there are fewer of these pre-2000 cars on the road. Modern cars, on the other hand, are impossible to hotwire – meaning that thieves need your car keys to steal your car,” Ms Gordon said.

“Thieves can be ruthless. They’ll take what they can easily get their hands on inside your car, and if the opportunity presents, they’ll take the car too.”

Neighbourhood Watch Victoria statistics reveal that 70 per cent of late model cars stolen in Victoria are stolen using their own keys. In addition, a shocking 41,000 cases of items being stolen from vehicles were reported by NMVTRC during the year ending March 2022.

Putting your home address on key rings is a security risk, providing anyone who steals your keys not only access to your car, but an easy way to find your home and steal your belongings too.

To best protect your car from theft, lock your car and take your keys with you after driving, keep them in a place that’s out of sight in your home like a drawer or cupboard, and invest in home security equipment such as security cameras and home alarms.

“Anything that makes a thief aware that the theft won’t be easy and there is a chance they will be spotted is great protection for your car. Thieves are after low risk and high return,” Ms Gordon said.

“Never leave a spare key hidden somewhere in or near the car. Thieves are used to this and know where to look.”