Grand Theft Auto

More than 50,000 vehicles were stolen across Australia in 2017.

Queensland car thieves stole enough vehicles in 2017 to completely fill the Chermside and Indooroopilly Shopping Centre carparks, combined.

The number of thefts in Queensland – 12,129 vehicles in 2017 alone – has forced police to issue a warning to motorists to remain vigilant about car security.

According to Queensland Police Service Crime Statistics, the number of vehicles stolen in 2017 represented a five-year high across the state, with thefts as low as 9376 in 2014 and 9363 in 2015.

The Gold Coast was the car theft hotspot in 2017 with 1901 vehicles stolen, followed closely by south Brisbane with 1803, north Brisbane with 1632 and Logan with 1269.

Outside the south-east quarter, far north Queensland was the next highest with 1055 vehicles stolen, shadowed closely by Townsville with 850.

The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) revealed the Holden Commodore, Toyota Hilux, Ford Falcon and Nissan Navara to be the most-targeted vehicle for theft in Queensland.

“This is not a list you want to feature on and it’s shocking to see most thefts coming from the south-east,” RACQ spokesperson Kirsty Clinton said.

“Unfortunately for those living in Gold Coast – it’s the worst place for car theft in Queensland.

“If you own a Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Toyota Hilux or Nissan Navara you’re also at risk, with these models topping the wish list for thieves.”

Ms Clinton said motorists needed to make simple safety precautions a priority.

“Always lock your car and ensure all windows are up when you leave it unattended,” she said.

“Wherever possible, park in a secure garage or park somewhere well-lit and well-populated.

“Thieves are often opportunistic, so don’t tempt them by leaving valuables visible inside.

“Importantly, treat your keys like cash – keep them on you and don’t leave them lying around.”

RACQ’s Head of Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding said while the national theft rate decreased by seven percent last year, Queensland bucked the trend with a 10 percent increase.

“This is a concerning trend that we’ve been pleading the Government to intervene in,” Mr Spalding said.

“Queensland’s the only state in Australia refusing to help fund the NMVRTC, which has a proven track record in helping to lower the rate of this crime.

• 12,129 vehicles were stolen across Queensland in 2017.* *Queensland Police Crime Statistics
• 9029 stolen vehicles were passenger/light commercials.* *National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council
• 1525 motorcycles were stolen across Queensland in 2017.*. *National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council