Motor vehicle theft is on the rise in Victoria with 16,766 cars stolen in the year ending June 30, 2023 according to Crime Statistics Victoria, an increase of 27 per cent from the previous year.
Motoring
How to help keep your car and keys safe at home
Did you know that most car theft occurs at home? Here are some top tips to help keep your car safe from theft in your garage or driveway.
With car theft increasing in Victoria, many vehicle owners take precautions when they’re out and about at shopping centres, schools, car parks and other community locations, but they often overlook car safety at home, where it’s just as important to improve the security of your driveway and get the best locks for your garage door.
“Most car thefts occur in or around private residences,” says Neighbourhood Watch Victoria CEO Bambi Gordon. “That’s why it’s crucial to protect your car when it’s parked at home.”
Data from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) shows that almost half of all vehicles stolen in the year ending June 2024 were from houses, townhouses and apartment car parks. Of the 22,964 vehicles reported stolen, a total of 9,985 thefts were from residential locations across Victoria, an increase of 12 per cent from the previous year for the same time period.
Tips to help keep your car safe from theft at home
Lock your car
It may seem obvious, but locking your car is one of the most effective ways to prevent theft. Lock your car and take the keys with you whenever you leave your car – even for short stops such as paying for fuel or picking up a food order. Furthermore, lock your car even when you’ve parked it in your garage.
“Don’t forget to lock your back doors and windows,” warns Gordon. “Offenders mainly use these areas to enter cars.”
Here are some top tips on how to minimise the risk of car theft.
Remove valuables from your car
“Most thieves break into cars because they see something they want inside,” Gordon says. “By removing any valuables from display in your vehicle, you can reduce the likelihood of theft.”
Take phones, laptops, GPS devices, sunglasses, bags, sports equipment, clothes, money (even loose change) and any other portable valuables from your car with you when you leave. Don’t forget to remove phone chargers, power cables from cigarette lighter sockets, GPS holders/cradles and other evidence of technology, too. Remember to remove the suction mark left by any windscreen-mounted cradles. Paperwork should also be removed, as thieves may think they can lift your home address from the files.
“Don’t simply try to hide valuables in your boot or under your seat,” Gordon cautions. “You never know who is watching. If it’s valuable, take it with you.”
Remove any valuables from your car, or keep them locked safely out of sight. Image: Getty
Secure your garage
“Parking off the street in a locked garage or, if you don’t have a garage, a carport or driveway can help deter thieves,” Gordon says.
Make sure to keep your garage door closed and locked whenever unattended. Garages are prime targets for Australian burglars, as they often contain easy-to-take valuables such as power tools, golf clubs, and bikes.
To help protect your garage, install the best type of garage door lock for your door type, and learn how to prevent garage break-ins.
Any access doors into your home or garage should also be secured. Deadbolts are widely considered the most effective type of lock, while key safes may increase your risk of being burgled. Consider installing security film on glass panes and accessible windows.
An electronic garage door is a convenient way to help secure your home and garage.
Maintain your home’s exterior to deter thieves
“Homes that look like nobody is home are more likely to be targeted by thieves,” Gordon says. “Regularly maintain your home to keep it looking occupied.”
This can be as simple as mowing your lawn, maintaining your fences, and trimming your shrubs and trees. You can also make use of your home’s blinds, shutters and curtains to prevent window snooping.
“Homes without a security system are three times more likely to be broken into than homes with one,” Gordon warns. A home security system with features such as an alarm, security cameras or smart-home monitoring will warn would-be thieves away from your home. Installing a motion-sensor light or a timed floodlight over your front door, garage and other entry points is also a great burglar deterrent.
Neighbourhood Watch's free quiz, How Safe Is My Place?, helps you review the measures you have in place to protect your home and family and offers tailored tips on how you can increase your security.
Neighbourhood Watch warns that homes without a security system face a greater risk of burglary.
Fit anti-theft devices to your vehicle
A trusted installer can advise you on anti-theft devices and fit one to your vehicle. These devices can include a steering wheel lock, an engine immobiliser, an ignition shield, a battery isolator, or a car alarm. Hiding a GPS tracking device in your vehicle can also help police find your car, if it is stolen.
Number plate theft is also on the rise in Victoria, with 19,758 offences recorded in the year ending March 2024: a 26 per cent increase from the same time in 2023. Prevent number plate theft by fitting anti-theft screws to your number plates, which are available from most auto shops. You can also attend a Safe Plate event run by Neighbourhood Watch, where you can get anti-theft screws for your number plates.
Fitting anti-theft screws to your number plates can prevent them from being stolen. Image: Getty
Keep records of your vehicle details
In the event of a theft, it helps to have all your vehicle’s relevant details on hand to give to police. Record these vehicle details in a secure place:
- Registration number and state registered
- Vehicle make, model, year, colour, badge, body type, transmission (auto/manual)
- Upholstery colour and other interior details
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – found on your registration certificate or insurance policy document
- Engine number – found on the engine casing
- Fitted accessories: anti-theft devices, radio or speakers, LPG tank, etc.
- Insurance company.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
