Thieves target cars

TASMANIA’S car theft hot spots have been identified with new data revealing more than 1000 vehicles were stolen statewide over a 12-month period.

Finder analysis of the latest CarSafe data, released in June, showed there were 1124 motor vehicles stolen in Tasmania from April 2018 to March 2019, down from 1146 in the preceding 12 months. Of these stolen vehicles 80 per cent were cars.

A total of 162 motorbikes were stolen and 58 other vehicles like trucks and vans. In Tasmania, one in every 400 registered cars is stolen.

In comparison, in the Northern Territory, one in every 200 registered cars is stolen.

The Nissan Pulsar was a favourite among thieves with 39 stolen followed by Ford Couriers and Nissan Navaras.

“While car thefts in Tasmania are relatively low in comparison to other states that’s no excuse for not locking your car. Stay vigilant when it comes to protecting your vehicle,” Finder money specialist Taylor Blackburn said.

“Whether you park your car in a garage or take out a comprehensive car insurance policy, there are a number of ways to protect yourself from an attempted theft.

“Insurance premiums vary depending on a number of factors, from your address, to the actual brand and year of your car. Even then, different providers will give you different quotes, so compare your options to get the most bang for your buck.”

RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said most vehicle thefts reported in the state were opportunistic, rather than for financial gain. “We have found that overall car thefts are declining as the fleet of vehicles gets newer,” he said.

“A large proportion of thefts, particularly if it is an older car, are opportunistic and involve people going for a joy ride or using the car to get from point A to point B. The most cost effective form of extra protection is a steering-wheel lock.”

Mr Sayers said low-value car owners who did not want to fork out the cash for a comprehensive insurance policy could purchase a third party, fire and theft policy instead.

He said drivers who were unable to park their cars in a garage or a driveway should look for a well-lit area on the street.