Car Theft in Australia: The Latest Trends and Statistics
In Australia, in both cities and rural areas, car theft remains a significant problem that fosters genuine concern for the general public and authorities. This concern is far from unwarranted; after a brief decline during the pandemic years, vehicle theft has surged back to levels not seen in over two decades.
The numbers are startling. In 2024, motor vehicle theft recorded by police rose to 65,603 victims—an 8% increase in a single year. This means a vehicle is now stolen, on average, every 8 minutes. Moreover, the advancement of technology within the automotive industry means that the tactics used by car thieves have evolved, making the security of even high-tech vehicles more vulnerable. Subsequently, it seems we are at a higher risk than ever.
Car Theft Rates in Australia
It may surprise you to learn that with enhancements in security technology, it has become virtually impossible for thieves to “hotwire” the latest models. This has debunked the popular misconception that hotwiring is still a prevalent method. However, as the 11-minute average has dropped to 8 minutes, the problem is clearly intensifying.
In terms of demographics, the landscape has shifted. Victoria has seen a sharp increase, recording over 33,000 thefts in the year ending September 2025—the highest number in more than 20 years for that state. While Queensland previously held the top spot, Victoria’s rates have surged to more than double those of New South Wales in recent months. By contrast, the Northern Territory, Tasmania, and the ACT continue to see lower absolute numbers due to smaller populations, though the NT still experiences a high rate of theft per registration.
The “COVID-19 dip” is officially over. While 2021 saw a decrease due to lockdowns, 2024 and 2025 have seen a major rebound as movement restrictions ended and criminal syndicates adapted to new technologies.
Most Stolen Car Models in Australia
The Holden Commodore (specifically the VE and VZ models) remains the most stolen car in Australia, maintaining this dubious honor for nearly two decades. However, its dominance is finally being challenged by newer, more popular models.
Toyota now represents a massive portion of stolen vehicles. The Toyota HiLux, Corolla, and LandCruiser (including the Prado) are now frequently in the top five. Specifically, the HiLux and Corolla saw theft incidents rise by over 60% in 2025. Interestingly, while the Tesla Model Y is one of the most popular cars in the country, it recorded almost zero thefts in the latest data, likely due to its sophisticated GPS tracking and Sentry Mode features.
Motor Vehicle Thefts by State (Latest Recorded Data)
| State/Territory | Total Thefts (Approx. Annual) | % of Total Thefts |
| VIC | 33,212 | 50.6% |
| QLD | 16,500+ | 25.1% |
| NSW | 14,873 | 22.6% |
| WA | ~6,000 | 9.1% |
| SA | ~3,200 | 4.8% |
| TAS | ~1,100 | 1.6% |
| ACT | ~1,200 | 1.8% |
| NT | ~800 | 1.2% |
Note: Percentages may exceed 100% due to overlapping reporting periods and variations in “Passenger” vs “Total Motor Vehicle” (including motorcycles/heavy) categories.
Common Methods of Theft
Thieves are no longer just using crowbars; they are using code.
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Relay Attacks: Criminals use devices to intercept and amplify the signal from your key fob while it’s inside your house, tricking the car into thinking the key is right next to the door.
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OBD Port Hacking: Modern thieves use small electronic devices plugged into the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port to bypass the immobilizer and program a new “blank” key in seconds.
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Sneak Thefts: Despite high-tech hacks, “sneak theft” remains common. This involves thieves entering a home through an unlocked door or window specifically to find the car keys sitting on a kitchen bench or entryway table.
Recovery and Insurance
According to recent ABS data, approximately 0.6% of all Australian households experienced a motor vehicle theft in the 2024–25 financial year. Of those vehicles stolen, roughly 70% are recovered, but often with significant damage or with personal belongings stripped.
To navigate car theft recovery, keep these four points in mind:
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Secure Your Keys: The majority of modern cars cannot be stolen without the key. Treat your keys like cash—don’t leave them near windows or front doors.
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GPS Tracking: Many newer Toyotas and high-end SUVs now feature remote “kill switches” and tracking. If your car doesn’t have this, an aftermarket GPS tracker is a wise investment.
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Immediate Reporting: Report theft to the police and your insurer immediately. The “golden hour” for recovery is the first 60 minutes after the theft.
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Check Your Coverage: Ensure your comprehensive insurance covers a “hire car after theft” so you aren’t left stranded while your claim is processed.
Final Thought
The statistics for 2024 and 2025 show that car theft is a persistent and evolving threat in Australia. With one vehicle being nicked every 8 minutes, it is no longer enough to just lock your doors. By staying informed about local hotspots and securing your keys inside the home, you significantly improve your chances of keeping your vehicle where it belongs—in your driveway.
