By Jeremy Rochow
Published: Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Ever wanted to know how likely your car is to be stolen?
A new report from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council could tell you just that.
This year’s Theft Matters report focussed on the top 10 most popular vehicles in 2015, with the Mazda 3 rated the least likely to be stolen at just 9 thefts per 10,000 models on Australian roads.
The Hyundai i30 was the second least likely to be stolen with 10 thefts per 10,000 models, while the third was the Madza CX-5 with 11 thefts per 10,000 vehicles.
The Toyota Hilux was considered the most popular among thieves, with 25.7 vehicles stolen for every 10,000 registered.
Thieves also found the Holden Commodore and Toyota Camry enticing with 20.5 and 22 stolen for every 10,000 registered, respectively.
Toyota Hilux sales
While there are many factors to consider when purchasing a car including safety, price efficiency, functionality and aesthetics, the latest Theft Matters report highlights the importance of considering a vehicle’s theft risk and security features as well.
Not only that, SA motor vehicle thefts jumped 13% last financial year – more than double the national average.
RAA insurance Claims Manager Hayley Cain says even vehicles with the highest level of security are still at risk of being stolen if motorists aren’t vigilant.
“We encourage all motorists to take precautions to reduce the chance of their vehicle being stolen,” Ms Cain says.
“Having your car stolen can be a major inconvenience, so you need to give thieves as little opportunity as possible.”
RAA recommends parking your vehicle in a garage or carport if possible. You should also install sensor lights in your driveway to deter thieves.
If you must park on the road, leave your car in a well-lit area, and always lock your vehicle – even if you’re only leaving it for a couple of minutes.
10 most popular vehicles in Australia
| Theft ranking | Make and model | Thefts per 10,000 models | 2015 sales | Sales ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mazda 3 | 9.1 | 38,644 | 2 |
| 2 | Hyundai i30 | 10.2 | 32,306 | 4 |
| 3 | Mazda CX-5 | 11 | 25,136 | 9 |
| 4 | Volkswagen Golf | 12.1 | 22,092 | 10 |
| 5 | Toyota Corolla | 14.5 | 42,073 | 1 |
| 6 | Mitsubishi Triton | 15 | 25,338 | 8 |
| 7 | Ford Ranger | 16,1 | 29,185 | 5 |
| 8 | Holden Commodore | 20.5 | 27,770 | 6 |
| 9 | Toyota Camry | 22 | 27,654 | 7 |
| 10 | Toyota Hilux | 25.7 | 35,161 | 3 |
You should also remove items of value from sight, but don’t put them in the boot as most are easy to break into.
Got an alarm? Use it. If you don’t, then a steering wheel lock can be an effective deterrent.
Lastly, consider getting comprehensive car insurance. If your car is stolen, it can reduce the inconvenience. It will ensure you’re covered if you have a crash, and you won’t be without a car for long.