Toyota LandCruisers and HiLuxes most stolen cars in Top End

Car thieves are targeting specific models with some people more at risk than others. SEE IF YOUR CAR IS AT RISK

TOYOTA LandCruisers and HiLuxes are the vehicles of choice for thieves as the number of car thefts skyrockets in Darwin and Palmerston.

NT Police Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Bland said Strike Force Trident members had seen a “recent increase” in the number of vehicles stolen from Darwin and Palmerston, then being recovered in the Victoria Daly region.

“Older model Toyota vehicles, specifically LandCruisers and HiLuxes, are a common target for thieves,” he said.

Snr Sgt Bland advised owners to make sure their vehicles were well secured and to consider looking into “additional security measures”, such as steering locks and immobilisers.

Michelle and John Lamberth fell victim to one of these thefts, with their 1998 LandCruiser stolen from outside their home in Lyons.

They were contacted by police after 11 days to say their car was found damaged with three other Toyota vehicles.

Michelle and John Lamberth's Toyota was stolen from their Lyons home. Picture: Michelle Lamberth

When they recovered their LandCruiser it was graffitied, stripped of parts, the ignition destroyed and fuel tank stuffed with noodle packets.

Ms Lamberth said the damage was estimated to be between $6000 and $8000.

“We’ve just spent $500 on security cameras for the house, which you shouldn’t have to do and probably won’t change anything anyway, but it’s just so frustrating.”

Michelle and John Lamberth's Toyota was stolen from their Lyons home. Picture: Michelle Lamberth

“People are not aware this is happening … we weren’t aware until it happened to us.” Ms Lamberth said.

The Lamberths have since spoken to a number of Toyota owners who have had similar experiences.

The couple is now forced to keep their car behind a gate “with chains on”.

Great Northern Automotive NT owner James Matthews said his business had experienced an increase in requests for GPS trackers to be installed in vehicles.

Mr Matthews said he currently fitted about five to 10 of these a week.

He said the majority of stolen vehicles he repaired were Toyotas manufactured between 1985 and 2007.

Many of these cars have extensive damage ranging from broken windows and destroyed panelling to full write offs.

“The last month has gone out of control,” he said.

Originally published as Toyota LandCruisers and HiLuxes most stolen cars in Top End