RACQ releases list of Queensland’s car theft hotspots

The motoring body has released a list of hotspots where car theft claims are on the rise, including Cairns and Townsville in the north, and Logan and inner Brisbane in the state’s south-east.

Car thefts in Queensland have been a growing concern, with an overall increase of 10% in the last financial year. Specific regions, such as Fitzroy and Logan, experienced even higher rates of car theft claims, with a 72% and 37% increase respectively.

The Gold Coast, although showing a decrease from the previous year, still had the highest number of car theft claims. Townsville, Cairns, and Brisbane’s inner city were identified as the areas with the highest frequency of car theft claims.

The majority of car theft incidents occurred between 1am and 4am, primarily on weekends. To prevent theft, measures such as parking in secure locations, removing valuables, and locking vehicles have been recommended.

The Toyota Hilux, Toyota Landcruiser, and Toyota Corolla were the most commonly stolen vehicles. It is worth noting that accessing keys remains the most common method of car theft.

In the event of a stolen car, individuals are advised to promptly contact the local police and their insurer. It is important to recognize the varying regional trends in car theft, with some areas experiencing increases in theft claims while others saw decreases.

Key Takeaways

  • Car thefts in Queensland have increased by 10% in the last financial year.
  • The regions with the highest frequency of car theft claims are Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane Inner City, and Logan/Beaudesert.
  • One in three vehicles is stolen between 1am and 4am, with weekends having more incidents than any other day.
  • Vehicle owners are encouraged to park in secure locations, remove valuables, and lock their cars to prevent theft.

Car Theft Statistics

The car theft statistics in Queensland reveal a significant increase in car thefts, with a 10% overall increase in the last financial year.

Specific regions, such as Fitzroy in central Queensland, experienced a particularly alarming 72% increase in car theft claims.

Additionally, Logan in southeast Queensland saw a 37% increase in car theft claims.

Despite a 16.5% decrease from the previous year, the Gold Coast had the highest number of car theft claims, reaching a total of 182.

Townsville, Cairns, and Brisbane’s inner city were identified as the regions with the highest frequency of car theft claims.

Furthermore, it was found that one in three vehicles was stolen between 1am and 4am, with weekends exhibiting more car theft incidents than any other day.

These statistics highlight the growing concern and importance of taking preventive measures to protect vehicles in Queensland.

Preventive Measures

To mitigate the risk of vehicle theft, owners are advised to employ preventive measures such as:

  • Parking in secure locations
  • Removing valuables
  • Ensuring their cars are properly locked

These measures are especially important considering the rising car theft trends in Queensland.

It is recommended that vehicle owners choose well-lit and monitored parking areas, preferably with surveillance cameras. Valuables should be removed from plain sight or stored in the trunk to discourage potential thieves.

Additionally, it is crucial to double-check that all doors and windows are securely locked before leaving the vehicle unattended. In the case of modern vehicles with advanced security features, it is essential to keep keys hidden within the home and away from entry points.

By taking these preventive measures, car owners can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to car theft.

Actions to Take

Owners of vehicles should take immediate action in the event of a stolen car. This includes reporting the theft to local authorities and contacting their insurer to assess coverage and initiate a claim.

It is important to inform the police as soon as possible. Provide them with all relevant information such as the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number. This will increase the chances of recovering the stolen vehicle.

Additionally, contacting the insurer is crucial. Determine the coverage and proceed with the necessary claim procedures. Have all the necessary documents ready, including the police report, vehicle registration, and insurance policy details.

Promptly notifying the insurer will facilitate the claim settlement process. It will also ensure that the owner is informed of any developments regarding the stolen vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common reasons behind the increase in car thefts in Queensland?

The increase in car thefts in Queensland can be attributed to factors such as the popularity of older vehicles without immobilizers, the ease of re-identification or disposal of these vehicles, and the common method of accessing keys for vehicles with modern security features.

Are there any specific areas or suburbs in Queensland that experience a higher number of car thefts?

Regions in Queensland that experience a higher number of car thefts include Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane Inner City, and Logan/Beaudesert. These areas have shown an increase in car theft claims, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and preventive measures.

What are some lesser-known preventive measures that vehicle owners can take to protect their cars from theft?

Lesser-known preventive measures vehicle owners can take include installing GPS tracking devices, using steering wheel locks or wheel clamps, and installing a kill switch or immobilizer. These measures can deter thieves and make it more difficult for them to steal the vehicle.

How does the process of recovering a stolen vehicle usually unfold, and what are the factors that determine the likelihood of recovery?

The process of recovering a stolen vehicle typically involves reporting the theft to the police and contacting the insurer. Factors that determine the likelihood of recovery include the effectiveness of preventive measures, police resources, and the responsiveness of the insurance company.

Emerging trends and technologies in car security can help deter car thefts in Queensland. Examples include advanced immobilizers, GPS tracking systems, and biometric authentication. These measures enhance vehicle security and increase the chances of recovery in case of theft.

Source: https://www.racq.com.au/about-us/news-and-media/media-release/2023/7/mr250723-queensland-car-thefts-remain-on-the-rise

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