Preventing car theft: What to do if your vehicle is stolen in Australia?

A Filipino church volunteer recently fell victim to motor vehicle theft in Melbourne.

What to Do if You Fall Victim to Car Theft or Your Vehicle Gets Stolen Credit: Envato / Garakta-Studio

Key Points

• According to data from the Crime Statistics Agency, approximately 20,495 vehicles were stolen in Victoria in 2023, which is a 26% increase compared to the previous year.
• On the Victoria Police website, to prevent motor vehicle theft, some recommended actions include not leaving your car unlocked, not leaving valuable items or documents inside, and parking in safe, well-lit areas.
• In case your vehicle is stolen, the police advise not to confront the thief, but to contact the police at Triple Zero 000 for emergencies and 131 444 for non-emergencies.