RACQ data shows $30.5 million in stolen car costs claimed in 2022

Nearly $600,000 worth of cars are stolen every week in Queensland, as new data reveals which makes and models feature most prominently on thieves’ hit lists.

Close to $600,000 worth of cars are stolen every week in Queensland, as new data reveals which makes and models are on the hit list for thieves.

According to the RACQ, the cost of stolen vehicles in the state has increased from $22 million in 2021 to $30.5 million last year – a jump of more than 36 per cent.

The state’s peak road safety body stated the most common cars stolen were Toyotas, specifically Landcruisers, HiLuxes and Corollas, followed by Holden Commodores and Ford Rangers.

Spokeswoman Kate Leonard-Jones said both car prices and car thefts had increased, meaning claims had gone up.

“These are the top selling makes and models on our roads – it’s not a case of them being any easier to steal,” Ms Leonard-Jones said.

According to the RACQ, the cost of stolen vehicles in the state has increased from $22 million in 2021 to $30.5 million last year.

Queensland Police data showed that more than 19,000 cars were stolen in Queensland last year, with December recording the largest number of thefts in the state on record.

A recent report from Budget Direct stated that in 2021, Brisbane topped the list of the number of car thefts in Australia with more than 7000.

The data, compiled using local government crime statistics and vehicle registrations per state, dived further into car thefts, stating that Holden Commodores were taken 230 times in 2021 across Queensland.

Thieves also stole more than $5 million worth of Ford Rangers, which were recorded as the vehicle with the highest theft value, according to the insurer.

Salisbury Collision Centre owner Jeff Dancer said he had seen a huge rise in stolen cars, of all different makes and models, coming through his doors since mid-last year.

Mr Dancer’s shop had fixed up three stolen vehicles this year, but he said holding yards were packed to the brim with one Brisbane yard housing about 150 stolen cars.

“It’s getting out of control,” he said.

Tow Trucks Brisbane manager Jeff Johnson said kids were also targeting a certain make of Kia as they could start the car with a USB stick.

Ms Leonard-Jones said the easiest way to steal cars was still with the keys, and urged car owens to be extra vigilant.

“According to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council around 70 per cent of cars are stolen with their own keys, and half of all cars stolen are taken from the home,” Ms Leonard-Jones said.

“There are some simple things drivers can do to secure their vehicle, and it starts with treating car keys like cash.”

Car thieves could spend 14 years in prison for a violent and armed offence that takes place at night.

Police urged people to lock up at night and keep their keys hidden to lessen the chance of having their cars stolen.

Originally published as RACQ data shows $30.5 million in stolen car costs claimed in 2022