THE FACTS Motor vehicle theft increased from 30,148 in 1994/95 to 32,468 in 1995/96, an overall increase of 7.7% The estimated total value of motor vehicles stolen for 95/96 was $226.7 million. A total of 7,467 offenders were processed during 95/96 for theft of motor vehicles of which 35% were under the age of 17 years. The high recovery rate of stolen vehicles (80.2%) together with the high proportion of young offenders suggests that many car thefts are committed by joyriders. During 95/96, 42.7% of all motor vehicle thefts in Victoria were from a public street, lane or footpath.

Profile of a Car Thief

Generally the profile of a "car thief" can be divided into two distinct categories: the opportunist and/or the professional.

The opportunist sees your car as a means of transport (joy rider) or simply as an easy target. Often when a car has been stolen by the opportunist, it is recovered and returned to the owner in a damaged state.

The professional car theif wants your car for profit. The professional car theif may either steal a car for parts or to change its identity and sell later. Either way car theft costs the owner and the community dearly.

Prevent Car Theft

The following strategies will help reduce the risk of theft:

• Install an effective anti-theft device such as an immobilising device, steering lock or alarm system.
• Park your car off the street, preferably in your yard or driveway or at a staffed parking centre.
• If parking your car on the street during the night, select a well lit area.
• Have the vehicle identification number (VIN) etched onto major glass components of your car. (A vehicle VIN is the only permanent identification number on the vehicle.)
• Consider installing any of the following:
  • fuel/ignition cut-out switch
  • an ignition shield
  • a visible locking device
  • a battery isolator
• Never leave your keys in the ignition or inside your car.
• Always close all car windows and lock all doors before leaving your car unattended.
• Don't leave valuable items in your car which may entice a potential thief e.g. mobile phones.
• Remove cheque books, credit cards, driver's licence and registration papers from your glove box. These could be used by a thief at a later stage.
• Spare keys should never be hidden in or on a vehicle. This is like leaving a house key under a door mat. Place a spare key in your wallet or purse.

What to do if your car is stolen

• Report it to the police immediately.
• Give police
  • the registration number,
  • make, model and colour of the vehicle and
  • location and time of disappearance.
• Notify your insurance company immediately.