Adelaide Airport has 50 per cent rise in car thefts in last financial year

The Advertiser’s exclusive analysis of annual vehicle theft data shows where the hotspots are in the state, but one place will shock you.

Adelaide Airport has had a 50 per cent hike in the number of cars stolen in the past year along with a sharp increase in vehicles being broken into and items stolen.

The Advertiser’s analysis of theft rates reveals 39 vehicles were stolen from the airport in the 2023-24 financial year compared to 26 for the same period in 2022-23.

Adelaide Airport has had a 50 per cent hike in the number of cars stolen in the past year. (AAP/Emma Brasier)

Thefts of items from inside parked vehicles rose from 21 to 35 over the same period.

It makes the airport one of the most likely places in SA to have your car stolen.

The crime figures show Adelaide CBD still has the most vehicle thefts with 199 – the same as the previous year – but a further 664 cars had been broken into and items stolen, representing a 30 per cent increase.

According to the latest data, other hotspots for vehicle thefts were Morphett Vale (50), Salisbury (50) Parafield Gardens (46) and Paralowie (42).

On average 10 vehicles, of all makes and models, were stolen daily across the state, but year on year figures remained stable.

Some areas had a decrease in vehicle thefts particularly in regional areas. Mount Gambier dropped from 55 to 47, Port Lincoln from 54 to 38 and Murray Bridge 37 to 24.

Other hotspots included: Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, and Murray Bridge. NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Mt Gambier recorded the most car thefts regionally (47) followed by Port Augusta (46) with the latter experiencing a significant rise in vehicle crime.

Andrews Farm and Salisbury North experienced large drops in the number of vehicle thefts, but Salisbury North still has the second highest number statewide.

However, The Advertiser’s analysis also showed an increase in vehicle thefts and thefts from cars across a patch in the eastern and north eastern suburbs. Magill nearly doubled its vehicle theft rate over the last two financial years from 11 to 20, with similar rises in surrounding Newton, Campbelltown, Paradise and Athelstone.

The suburbs of Para Hills West (12 to 25), Kilburn (14 to 26) and Mile End (16 to 26) also had significant increases.

RAA mobility expert Mark Borlace said car theft was a growing concern for motorists as vehicles could be targeted by opportunists and organised crime gangs alike.

“Make sure your car keys are stored in a secure location in your home and out of view, so if trespassers enter your house, they can’t easily find them,” Mr Borlace said.

“If you must park on the street, try to park in a well-lit area and don’t leave valuable items or anything that identifies you in the car.”

An SA Police spokesman said police found the majority of vehicles were stolen by opportunistic thieves for short term use such as: an immediate means of transport; for fun or “joy-riding”; or used to commit other crimes.

Adelaide Airport was contacted for comment.

Originally published as Adelaide Airport has 50 per cent rise in car thefts in last financial year