Modern Thieves Don’t Break Into Modern Cars.
Don’t be fooled into believing that thieves still hotwire cars. Thankfully, technological advances make this borderline impossible. But thieves have adapted – instead of targeting the car itself, they aim for the keys sitting on your kitchen bench. This is why securing the front and rear doors of your house, as well as your windows, is arguably more important than getting a better car alarm.
- 7 in 10 cars are stolen with their own keys
- 95% of “sneak thefts” don’t involve a confrontation
- 1 in 20 Australian homes fall victim to car criminals each year
Where most cars get stolen.
Half of all car thefts happen at home. Roughly another quarter happen in the garage or the street directly outside the owner’s home. The dark, dodgy-looking car park you worry about is a distant third.
What most Australians believe about car theft is decades out of date.
Myth 1
“Thieves will hot-wire your car by sticking a screwdriver somewhere under the steering column”. Yes, we’ve seen the Al Pacino and Rob De Niro movies, too. This is the only place where this version of car theft still exists.
Reality 2
Australian law mandates that every car built after 2001 carry an AS 4601:1999 engine immobiliser. It works by disabling the engine – unless the key is present. The thieves know this – and look for opportunities to steal your keys – before they steal your car.
Myth 2
“I drive an old bomb. Surely it’s nothing but a liability – and has almost no resale value. Who would want to steal my 2015 FG Ford Falcon”
Reality 2
A lot of sketchy people, actually. 37% of cars stolen in Australia are worth under $5,000. Only 3% are worth more than $50,000.
77% of cars stolen in Australia are used for joyrides, temporary transport and the commission of another crime. The cars are usually dumped afterwards. Contrary to popular belief, they’re rarely used for parts.
Every major stakeholder agrees on the two most effective fixes – immobilisers and the protection of keys. Engine immobilisers work, which is why older, pre-2001 cars are such popular targets for thieves. And because over 70% of car theft starts with the keys, prevention starts at home.