Car Theft - Statistics & Guide to Car Theft Insurance

Car Theft - Did you know?

• Every 8 minutes, another car is stolen in Australia, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC).
• That's over 700,000 car thefts a year.
• Older cars are easier to break into and start up.
• Stolen cars are commonly used for short-term transport or to commit a further crime such as a robbery.
• 'Professional' thieves target popular cars they can sell on the black market.
• Almost 30 Australians, on average, are killed each year in stolen vehicle-related incidents.
• Hundreds of people unwittingly buy re-identified stolen cars only to see them seized later by police

Prevent car theft by taking the following steps:

1. Insure your car properly. It's the best defence you can have against car thieves.
   
   
2. Fit an immobilizer, especially if you drive an older model car. Not only will this make it impossible for thieves to de-activate and thus steal your car, you will probably benefit through a cheaper premium from your insurer.
   
   
3. Don't be an attractive target. You probably already know to keep your wallet or purse out of sight of passers-by but don't forget to hide other things like your mobile phone, iPod, laptop or any other fun gadgetry you have in your car. Among the favourite items on the black market are GPS units. If you have one, conceal it as well as the stand it's mounted on. Leaving it on view can be a sign to a thief to search your car.
   
   
4. Lock your car. It sounds obvious but it isn't. People tend to leave their cars unlocked when they're at a quiet, peaceful and seemingly safe location among friends. That's when thieves can strike.

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