RACQ figures show worst places in Queensland for vehicle vandalism

NEW figures from RACQ have revealed where your car is most at risk from vandals — the suburbs and the exact setting.

RACQ figures show the worst suburbs in Queensland for vehicle vandalism.

NEW figures from RACQ have revealed where your car is most at risk from vandals — the suburbs and the exact setting.

The data is based on RACQ’s insurance claims from 2014-2016 for intentional damage, such as slashed tyres, keyed cars and rock through windows, but also includes bizarre incidents such as footprints on the bonnet or roof, cars being painted, and sugar put in fuel.

Southport, Bundaberg and Toowoomba took the top three places, while Fortitude Valley (4) and Caboolture (6) were the top two suburbs in greater Brisbane.

Overall the report showed a 10 per cent increase in vehicle vandalism last year.

“It’s a big concern to motorists that we’ve seen these types of claims jump from 690 in 2015, to more than 780 last year,” RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said.

“There has also been a significant number of claims for footprints and dents on car roofs and bonnets, but also some quite unusual claims like sugar being put into fuel pumps and even cars being painted a new colour.

“Unfortunately the perpetrators are often not found, although we’ve heard of a few cases of revenge attacks by scorned ex-lovers.”

Ms Smith warned owners that many of these incidents had occurred at home.

“Often this damage occurs while the car is parked in the driveway, on the street in front of homes and even in garages,” she said.

“You can reduce your risk by parking in a well-lit carport or secure garage.”

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The top 10 suburbs for malicious damage claims from 2014-2016:

1. Southport

2. Bundaberg

3. Toowoomba

4. Fortitude Valley

5. Cairns

6. Caboolture

7. Surfers Paradise

8. Maroochydore

9. Nerang

10. Rockhampton