Search our map: Police data shows SA’s car theft hot spots

More than 10 cars are being stolen from South Australians every day. See the worst-hit areas in our interactive map.

Thieves are stealing more than 10 vehicles every day in South Australia, with some of the worst spots for car theft in the north of the city and in regional centres.

But Adelaide recorded the highest number of car thefts in the state, clocking up 146 in the nine months to March 2023, according to data obtained through the South Australian Government Data Directory.

The latest figures show that almost 2900 cars were stolen around the state from July 1 2022 to March 31 2023, and authorities have warned motorists to remain vigilant with insurance car theft claims rising by 24 per cent in this year.

Salisbury had a total of 52 cars stolen in the same period, followed by Mawson Lakes (37) Parafield Gardens (29), Salisbury North (29) and Andrews Farm (29).

Other badly-hit areas include regional towns Mt Gambier (41), Port Augusta (30) and Port Lincoln (47).

RAA Insurance spokesman Shaun Ryan said the rate of car thefts was “rising and showing no signs of abating”.

He said car theft claims spiked by 24 per cent in the first four months of 2023, in comparison to the same time last year.

“Motorists should remain vigilant and aware of the security of their vehicle,” he said.

Cost-of-living pressures may be causing people to turn to crime, Mr Ryan said.

“Cost-of-living pressures have seen used car values ease slightly, but these same pressures may be forcing more people to become desperate and turn to crime,” he said.

The scene of a crash involving a stolen car at Mawson Lakes. Picture: 7News

But a South Australian police spokesman said the number of car thefts “have remained consistent with no drastic increase or decrease in previous years” and that the majority of crimes were committed by “opportunistic thieves”.

“(The) majority of the vehicles that are reported stolen are by opportunistic thieves for short term use, such as immediate means of transport, joy riding or use in other criminal offending,” he said.

“These vehicles are generally quickly abandoned by the thieves once the purpose for stealing the vehicle is complete.”

The data comes just over a month after a child was taken during a terrifying car robbery in Adelaide’s inner North.

Just after 11am on May 18, a white Mazda SUV was stolen from outside a business on Hampstead Rd at Clearview, while one-year-old child Arli slept in the back seat.

Baby Arli reunited with his dad after he was in the back seat of a car stolen from Clearview. Picture: 7NEWS

The baby was promptly reunited with his family after the dumped vehicle was tracked 20 minutes away at Walkley Heights.

Mr Ryan said people should take “small steps” to secure their vehicles, adding that “most crimes are committed when thieves see an opportunity to strike”.

“RAA Insurance recommends parking your vehicle in a garage of carport if possible and installing sensor lights in your driveway to deter thieves,” Mr Ryan said.

“If you must park on the road, leave your car in a well-lit area, and always lock your vehicle.”

A police spokesman said high visibility proactive patrols are undertaken 24 hours a day, seven days a week to deter “would be criminals”.

Originally published as Search our map: Police data shows SA’s car theft hot spots