Motor vehicle theft

Keeping your vehicle secure and in well lit areas can reduce its attractiveness to potential criminals.

Theft prevention information

Follow these crime prevention tips to prevent theft of your vehicle.

Lock all doors and close all windows

Keep your car physically secure.

• Lock your car, even when parking at home, in your garage, or leaving your car for a moment.
• Never leave your car running when unattended.
• Close all windows, including the sunroof.
• Keep your car locked while driving.
• Install a car alarm.
• Install anti-theft devices such as an alarm, engine immobiliser, steering wheel brake lock, on-board diagnostic lock, a wheel lock or a GPS tracker.
• Install a bonnet lock.

Secure your keys

Keep your keys in a secure place.

• Never leave your keys in your car.
• Do not put your name and address on any keys – use a mobile phone number.
• Keep spare car keys in a secure place at home or at work.

Park in a well lit and secure area

Ensure you park your vehicle safely.

• Park off the street. A locked garage is best or a driveway if you don’t have a garage.
• If parked in a driveway, consider the installation of a sensor light and CCTV.
• If you need to park on the street, park in a well-lit area.

What to do if your car has been stolen

If you car has been stolen:

• do not confront the thief, your safety is more important than your possessions
• call your insurance company.

Report a stolen vehicle

For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).

For non-emergencies, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

You will need the following information:

• registration number and state registered
• vehicle make, model, year, body type and transmission (automatic or manual)
• colour of body and upholstery
• engine and VIN number
• accessories fitted (for example, radio/speakers, anti-theft devices, LPG tank).

Vehicle tracking

Take steps to track your car in case it is stolen.

• Owners of some modern cars can track their car’s location through a mobile phone application.
• Your car dealer can tell you if this is available, and how to access the application.
• If your car is stolen, police may ask for your login information.