Brisbane’s worst carpark: Indooroopilly tops RACQ list

Brisbane’s worst shopping centre carpark for theft, vandalism and crashes has been revealed, with 349 insurance claims in three years.

BRISBANE’S worst shopping centre carpark for theft, vandalism and crashes is Indooroopilly, The Courier-Mail can reveal.

According to RACQ data, people are most at risk of having their car damaged at the Indooroopilly shopping centre, with 349 insurance claims in three years.

Westfields at Carindale, Chermside and Garden City, and Sunnybank Plaza round out the top five.

Alisha Holmes, 34, and daughter Tiana Haig, 16, of Springfield Lakes, hope for the best as they leave their car at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. Picture: Liam Kidston

RACQ spokeswoman Lucinda Ross said claims from shopping centres had cost more than $72 million in the past three years.

She urged drivers to keep calm and take care when they park at shopping centres during the school holidays.

“Crashes and scrapes are common in shopping centre carparks year-round, but our data shows December and November are by far the worst months as people try to finalise their Christmas shopping or just escape the heat,” Ms Ross said.

She said motorists could reduce the risk of vehicle damage and theft in carparks.

“With an expected influx of Christmas shoppers over the coming weeks, we’re urging drivers to exercise simple courtesy and always obey carpark signage and normal road rules,” she said.

Top Five Shopping Centres for Insurance Claims

“It’s important for people to take the time to completely secure their vehicles and make sure there are no bags or other valuables left in sight to tempt passing thieves.”

Previous RACQ research revealed that 74 per cent of people surveyed have had their car spot stolen by another driver at a shopping centre, while 32 per cent have returned to their car to find it damaged.

The ranking is another blow for Indooroopilly’s embattled carpark, which was widely panned following the centre’s $450 million makeover a few years ago.

Last year the shopping centre was forced to offer shoppers free parking, gift cards and cash after it took them an hour to exit the carpark following a bungle with the parking system.