Vehicle protection in Australia is more important than ever for this very reason: thieves steal cars in the country every 11 minutes! Car thieves are also bold enough to venture into homes for car keys.
To make matters worse, car insurance companies don’t always cover the cost of vehicle theft. You may also have to pay high deductibles to unlock the policy. However, prevention is the best solution.
To combat vehicle theft, you can do such things as locking your doors and parking in a crowded area. More importantly, be mindful of your surroundings when parking in public, as a thief could be watching you from afar.
This article will highlight the realities of car theft in Australia and how you can protect yourself. Read further to know more.
Older Vehicles
Despite vehicle theft spikes, this type of crime has declined for the past decade. One reason is because of advanced car security measures.
That said, criminals have shifted their attention to older cars because they don’t contain the same security features as newer cars. Cars 12 years old or older are among the most popular targets.
Many motorists mistakenly believe they won’t be victims of auto theft because they have older cars. Overall, the average age of a stolen older car is 10 years.
Recovery Rates
Australia has a high recovery rate. However, recovery doesn’t mean victims will find the cars in the same condition, especially if thieves stole the car for parts. Nevertheless, police can find the vehicle on the same day in many cases.
On the other hand, your car is less likely to be found if criminals used the car when committing a major crime, such as a shooting or robbery.
Reasons Behind Auto Theft
Vehicle theft generally falls under two categories:
- The Profit Motive: Criminals may sell parts of the vehicle or sell the entire car as-is.
- Short-Term Gain: Criminals can use the car to go on a joyride or engage in another crime.
Cars used for the short term are usually easier to recover. If a thief steals a car for a joyride, for example, they’ll usually abandon the vehicle when they get tired of it.
Moreover, short-term cases tend to be easier to solve because the victim may know the perpetrator. Perhaps the offender may be a teenager who took their parents’ car without permission.
Auto Theft Hotspots
Auto theft in residential areas is all too common. In many cases, thieves are brazen enough to enter garages or sheds to steal the cars.
The second most popular locations are the streets, Other popular locations include commercial centers, shopping centers, and car parks.
The Most Stolen Cars
Certain types of cars are more popular than others. For example, the Holden Commodore is a popular car series among thieves. Another popular brand is the Toyota Hilux. Australian thieves usually gravitate to local brands.
The Chance of a Violent Encounter
The chance of a violent encounter with a car thief is low. Car thieves aim to avoid confrontation with the owner at all costs. However, they’re brazen enough to sneak into a home with the homeowner present.
Timing Is Key
Most auto thefts will take place on the weekends, beginning Friday and ending on Sunday. Further, thieves are most active between the afternoon and the evening. They usually strike between the hours of 4 pm to 12 am.
When it comes to weather, grand theft cases usually decline during the cold (June to September). Conversely, the hotter months see an increase in activity (October to March).
Regional Theft
Where you live also dictates your chances of being a victim. Victoria has the highest concentration of auth theft followed by Queensland and New South Wales.
Car owners must worry about local hotspots as well. In Victoria, for example, the highest theft rates comprise Moreland, Casey, Hume, and Brimbank.
For Queensland, the highest concentrations are in Cairns, Moreton Bay, Townsville, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Authorities recorded Brisbane as the highest auto theft zone in the country.
That said, don’t slip into a false sense of security if you don’t live in these areas. Remember: vehicle thievery is rising nationwide. Regardless of your location, take extra security precautions at home and when traveling.
How You Can Prevent Car Theft
To protect yourself, start by hiding your keys in a safe place. In most cases, thieves steal the car with the owner’s keys, and many offenders will enter the home in search of the keys. Therefore, lock your doors and windows at all times.
Lock your garage door as well, and make sure all of the garage windows are closed. If you have a car alarm, keep it on at all times, especially when you’re at home.
Another option entails planting a GPS tracker in your car. If you’re interested in a tracker, you can find more information here.
When you’re in public, lock your doors, and keep your windows up. Don’t leave any valuables in the car, such as your phone or purse. Plus, you should park your car in a well-lit area.
Another tool in your arsenal is your gut instinct. If the area makes uncomfortable, leave immediately.
Vehicle Protection In Australia
Vehicle protection is more important in Australia due to rising car theft cases across the nation. Installing GPS trackers or car alarms can deter criminals and increase the odds of locating your car. Besides car security, you can take proactive steps such as locking your car doors and parking in a safe location.
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