Data from the Insurance Council of Australia reveals a record 59% increase in vehicle theft claims in Victoria over the past year, with theft-related costs soaring by 70% to over $223 million.

While Victoria faces a surge in theft claims, other states like New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia experienced reductions of 3%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, contributing to an overall 20% rise in Australia’s vehicle theft claims to 30,000, totaling $466 million.

Queensland bucked the trend with a 10% decrease in theft claims, highlighting regional differences across the country.

Experts recommend implementing security measures such as GPS tracking, immobilisers, physical locks, and parking in secure, well-lit areas to help prevent vehicle theft.

The rise in thefts is linked to increased use of electronic devices by thieves, including key reprogramming tools and electronic hijacking methods, which make modern vehicles more vulnerable.

Authorities note that the increase in thefts is associated with a rise in repeat offending, prompting law enforcement to intensify efforts to address this growing issue.

Victoria Police warn that stolen vehicles are often driven recklessly, sometimes involving youth offenders, which significantly heightens road safety risks.

The most stolen vehicle models in Victoria include the Holden Commodore (2013–2017), Toyota Corolla (2015–2024), and Toyota Hilux (2016–2023), with theft rates for these models rising notably.

Andrew Hall, CEO of Insurance Statistics Australia, expressed concern over the rising number of theft claims, emphasizing the financial and societal impacts, while noting that the decline in other states offers some encouragement.