Queensland is officially the car theft capital of the country, with 55 vehicles stolen on average every single day but a new engine immobiliser device is hoping to stop the rising crime rates.
Key Takeaways
- The Queensland government has launched an engine immobiliser trial in car theft hotspots of Townsville, Cairns, and Mount Isa.
- 20,000 vouchers of up to $500 are available for motorists to install engine immobilisers, which require a code to start the vehicle.
- Car theft has resulted in financial loss and increased insurance premiums for victims, highlighting the need for improved car security measures.
- The trial aims to gather evidence for the potential requirement of engine immobilisers in all new cars, with the hope of deterring theft and increasing public safety.
Queensland Battles Rising Car Theft Rates with New Engine Immobiliser Initiative
Queensland has officially become the car theft capital of Australia, with a staggering average of 55 vehicles stolen every day. The state has surpassed a 10-year high in car thefts, revealing a concerning trend that has put both residents and law enforcement on high alert (Sky News).
However, the Queensland government is fighting back with a new initiative aimed at curbing these alarming rates. The government has launched an engine immobiliser trial in Townsville, Cairns, and Mount Isa, with hopes that this technology can significantly reduce car theft incidents. As part of this initiative, 20,000 vouchers of up to $500 are available to residents to install these devices in their vehicles (ABC News).
This initiative comes on the heels of the government’s recent announcement of a $10 million anti-car theft subsidy, which will provide residents with a $500 subsidy to protect their vehicles (Sky News).
These measures reflect the government’s commitment to tackling this escalating problem head-on. However, while these initiatives show promise, the situation remains dire for some residents. In Hawthorne, a family whose car was stolen in broad daylight was targeted by thieves for a second time within a week (Daily Mail).
The Queensland Police have urged motorists to properly secure their vehicles, especially service logbooks, as they continue to battle this growing crisis. The introduction of the engine immobiliser trial marks a positive step towards combating car theft and restoring peace of mind among Queensland’s residents.
As the state grapples with these high car theft rates, it is hoped that these initiatives, coupled with increased vigilance from vehicle owners, will help to turn the tide against this worrying crime trend. What You Can Do To Protect Yourself And Loved Ones From Robberies To Car Thefts
Boosting Car Security: Engine Immobiliser Trial Targets Theft Hotspots
The Queensland government has initiated an engine immobiliser trial in Townsville, Cairns, and Mount Isa, areas known for high car theft rates. The trial aims to combat car theft by offering 20,000 vouchers, each worth up to $500, for the installation of engine immobilisers.
These immobilisers require a code or sequence to start the vehicle, rendering it challenging for offenders to steal cars even with access to keys. The trial, set to conclude in June of next year, seeks to accumulate evidence supporting the mandatory implementation of immobilisers in all new vehicles.
As car theft has resulted in financial loss and increased insurance premiums, many individuals have voluntarily installed immobilisers for additional security. The trial may potentially expand to other regions of the state in the future.
What is it?
The engine immobiliser trial in Townsville, Cairns, and Mount Isa involves the installation of approved immobiliser devices that require a code or sequence to start the vehicle, aiming to boost car security in areas with high rates of car theft. This trial is part of the Queensland government’s initiative to address the issue of car theft in these regions.
The immobiliser devices, which must be approved and listed online, utilize a keypad or button sequence that needs to be entered correctly to start the vehicle. By implementing this technology, offenders would be unable to start the car even if they have the keys.
The government has allocated 20,000 vouchers, with a value of up to $500 each, for the installation of immobilisers. The trial is expected to run until June of next year, and its success could potentially lead to the introduction of mandatory immobilisers in new vehicles.
Benefits and Implementation
Implementing immobiliser devices in vehicles can lead to a reduction in car theft rates and provide a greater sense of security for motorists. Immobilisers require a code or sequence to start the car, making it difficult for offenders to steal vehicles even if they have the keys.
The Queensland government’s engine immobiliser trial in Townsville, Cairns, and Mount Isa aims to gather evidence for requiring immobilisers in new cars. The trial provides 20,000 vouchers of up to $500 for installation, with a focus on car theft hotspots.
Immobilisers have already shown positive results, with individuals who have installed them reporting a sense of safety and deterring theft attempts. The increasing demand for immobilisers suggests a growing recognition of their effectiveness in enhancing car security.
Success Stories
Installing immobiliser devices in vehicles has proven to be effective in reducing car theft rates and providing a greater sense of security for motorists.
Delour Doxford, who had her car stolen twice before installing an immobiliser, experienced financial loss and increased insurance premiums as a result of car theft. However, after installing an engine immobiliser, she reported feeling a sense of safety and reduced anxiety about her vehicle being stolen again.
Similarly, Scott Bonner, who also experienced car theft and significant damage, advocates for standard immobilisers in all new vehicles. The immobiliser requires a code or sequence to start the car, making it impossible for offenders to start the vehicle even with the keys.
As a result, immobilisers have deterred theft attempts and have become increasingly in demand, with an increase in installations reported by security system installer Ross Crosbie.
Future Expansion
Future expansion of the engine immobiliser trial will involve determining which other parts of the state will be included in the program in the next 12 months.
The trial, which currently operates in Townsville, Cairns, and Mount Isa, aims to gather evidence for the potential requirement of engine immobilisers in new cars.
The trial offers 20,000 vouchers, each worth up to $500, for the installation of approved immobiliser devices. These vouchers are available for motorists in car theft hotspots and will run until June of next year.
Additionally, 2,100 vouchers have been reserved for police and victims of crime.
The success of the trial in reducing car theft and increasing the sense of safety among car owners may influence the decision to make immobilisers mandatory in new vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do engine immobilisers work to prevent car theft?
Engine immobilisers prevent car theft by requiring a code or sequence to start the vehicle. Approved immobiliser devices and installers are listed online, and offenders cannot start the car even with the keys.
Are there any potential drawbacks or limitations to using engine immobilisers?
Potential drawbacks or limitations of using engine immobilisers include the potential for technical malfunctions, the possibility of forgetting the code or sequence, and the risk of criminals finding ways to bypass or disable the immobiliser system.
How can motorists in car theft hotspots obtain one of the 20,000 vouchers for installation?
Motorists in car theft hotspots can obtain one of the 20,000 vouchers for engine immobiliser installation by applying for the vouchers. The vouchers, worth up to $500, are available in Townsville, Cairns, and Mount Isa and can be used to install approved immobiliser devices.
Are there any requirements or qualifications for installers of the approved immobiliser devices?
There are requirements and qualifications for installers of the approved immobiliser devices. The Queensland government has listed approved immobiliser devices and installers online, ensuring that only qualified individuals can install these devices.
Will the trial assess the effectiveness of engine immobilisers in reducing car theft rates in the targeted hotspots?
The trial aims to assess the effectiveness of engine immobilisers in reducing car theft rates in the targeted hotspots of Townsville, Cairns, and Mount Isa. The trial will provide valuable evidence for potential requirements of immobilisers in new cars.
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