Queensland Police Service launch stolen vehicle portal as Toowoomba car theft statistics revealed

Residents will now be able to search for any vehicles reported stolen across Queensland, thanks to a new tool that police believe will help “empower” the community to combat the state’s car theft crisis.

Tom Gillespie

2 min read

January 17, 2024 - 3:00PM

Toowoomba Chronicle

Police & Courts

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Queensland Police has unveiled its latest tool to help combat the state’s ongoing car theft crisis.

The QPS this week launched its stolen vehicles public portal, which allows residents to search for cars reported in any location in Queensland.

QPS deputy commissioner Shane Chelepy said the greater access to information, which was updated daily, would “empower” the Toowoomba community to assist police.

“Information from the public plays a crucial part in investigations, and this gives the community greater tools to tell police the active movements of stolen vehicles and the actions of those behind the wheel,” he said.

“If you see a suspicious vehicle, members of the community can use this web page, provide information to police and allow officers to take action.”

There are currently nine cars reported stolen and still unaccounted for across the Toowoomba, Westbrook, Oakey and Highfields areas (see below for full list).

New QPS statistics reveal there have been six “unlawful use of motor vehicle” offences reported across Toowoomba in the past week, and 30 over the past month.

Previous figures show there was a decline in unlawful use offences in June (62 car thefts), July (67), and August (57), however by September the number of reports rose to 71 car thefts, and 101 in October.

The new statistics follow a survey that found Queenslanders no longer feel safe in their homes.

The weekly rates of reported thefts are consistent with figures over the past three months.

If the vehicle or its occupants appear suspicious, but the details of the vehicle are not listed on the web page, police still encourage information to be reported via Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.