Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in Australia and How to Protect Yours (2025)
Car theft continues to be a growing concern for Australian vehicle owners, even in 2025. With technological advancements in vehicles, you’d think it would be harder for thieves to strike—but unfortunately, they’re keeping up just as fast. From older models that are easy targets to modern SUVs with digital vulnerabilities, no segment is truly immune.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the top 10 most stolen cars in Australia, the reasons behind their popularity among thieves, and how you can prevent becoming the next victim. Whether you own a ute, SUV, or hatchback, this blog is a must-read for protecting your automotive investment.
🚨 Quick Overview: Car Theft in Australia – 2025 Snapshot
Total reported car thefts in 2024-2025 (approx.): 60,000+
Most targeted states: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria
Hot zones: Suburban driveways, apartment garages, unsecured public car parks
Most stolen car types: Utes, older model sedans, and SUVs
According to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC), thefts of passenger/light commercial vehicles remain a prominent issue, particularly in areas with limited secure parking options.
🏆 The Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in Australia – 2025 List
Let’s get into the data that matters: the specific models most commonly stolen. This list is based on recent statistics from car insurance agencies and theft registries.
1. Toyota HiLux
Type: Ute
Why It’s Targeted: Australia’s best-selling vehicle also tops the theft charts. High resale value, off-road demand, and easy part-outs make it a hot commodity.
Most Stolen Years: 2016–2020 models (less digital protection)
2. Ford Ranger
Type: Ute
Why It’s Targeted: Popular among tradies and off-road enthusiasts, the Ford Ranger’s demand in the used market makes it a theft magnet.
Most Stolen Years: 2015–2019
3. Toyota Corolla
Type: Sedan/Hatchback
Why It’s Targeted: Common across Aussie roads. Older models lack immobilisers, making them easier to hotwire.
Most Stolen Years: 2005–2012
4. Mazda 3
Type: Sedan/Hatchback
Why It’s Targeted: High circulation numbers and simplistic lock mechanisms in older variants.
Most Stolen Years: 2004–2011
5. Nissan Pulsar
Type: Sedan
Why It’s Targeted: Less protected and easy to steal without digital security.
Most Stolen Years: 2000–2008
6. Holden Commodore
Type: Sedan
Why It’s Targeted: Discontinued but still widely driven; easy to sell for parts.
Most Stolen Years: 2002–2013
7. Toyota Camry
Type: Sedan
Why It’s Targeted: Australia's taxi and rideshare favourite; older models are easy to resell or strip.
Most Stolen Years: 2005–2012
8. Hyundai i30
Type: Hatchback
Why It’s Targeted: Popular city car, often stolen for joyrides or petty resale.
Most Stolen Years: 2012–2018
9. Subaru Impreza
Type: AWD Hatch/Sedan
Why It’s Targeted: Rally car appeal and performance parts sought after.
Most Stolen Years: 2000–2007
10. Mitsubishi Triton
Type: Ute
Why It’s Targeted: Similar reasons as HiLux and Ranger—worksite demand and ease of resale.
Most Stolen Years: 2010–2016
🎯 Why Are These Cars Targeted?
Car thieves don’t just act randomly. Here are the most common reasons your vehicle could be a target:
✅ Popularity
The more a vehicle is on the road, the more parts it needs. HiLux and Corolla dominate sales charts—so do their theft numbers.
✅ Age
Older cars generally have less advanced anti-theft systems, making them easier to steal.
✅ Demand for Parts
Even if a car can’t be sold whole, its parts can. Utes and sedans from Toyota and Holden are particularly prone to “chop shop” disassembly.
✅ Weak Security Features
Many cars prior to 2010 didn’t have immobilisers or GPS tracking, and some modern vehicles have digital flaws hackers exploit.
🔒 How to Protect Your Car From Theft in 2025
Prevention is your best defence. Here are the most effective strategies that work in 2025 Australia:
1. Install an Aftermarket GPS Tracker
Even if your car already has GPS, add a backup that alerts your phone if it moves without your input.
2. Use a Steering Wheel Lock
Old-school, but highly effective. It adds a visual deterrent and extra steps for thieves.
3. Keep Keys in a Faraday Pouch
With keyless entry thefts rising, these pouches block the key signal to prevent relay attacks.
4. Park in Well-Lit, Secure Areas
If you don’t have a garage, use monitored car parks or areas with CCTV coverage.
5. Upgrade to Smart Dash Cams
New smart surveillance dash cams can record theft attempts, notify you via app, and even upload video to the cloud.
6. Install Immobilisers and Kill Switches
These devices make it nearly impossible to start the car without disabling them manually.
7. Mark Your Parts (VIN Etching)
Etching the vehicle identification number on windows and major parts makes them harder to resell.
8. Don’t Leave Valuables Visible
Laptops, wallets, and bags in plain sight invite break-ins. A quick grab can turn into full theft.
9. Update Vehicle Firmware
Modern vehicles often have software updates that patch security holes—stay current with updates.
10. Insurance With Theft Coverage
If the worst happens, comprehensive insurance will ease the financial blow. Always check for theft clauses.
🛠️ Technologies Making Theft Harder (and How Thieves Are Adapting)
Modern car security has come a long way. But so have criminals. Here's what’s evolving in 2025:
| Technology | Benefit | Threat |
|---|---|---|
| Immobilisers | Stops engine from starting | Thieves use code grabbers or duplicate keys |
| GPS Tracking | Real-time location tracking | Some install GPS jammers |
| Keyless Entry Systems | Convenience | Relay attacks use signal boosters |
| Digital Dash Cams | Record intrusions and driving | Thieves may disable them if not hardwired or hidden |
| Remote Lock Apps | Lock/unlock via smartphone | If app access is hacked, thief has full control |
🔄 What To Do If Your Car Is Stolen
If the unfortunate happens, don’t panic. Follow these steps:
Report to Police Immediately
Provide rego, VIN, make/model, last seen location
Contact Your Insurance Provider
The sooner you lodge a claim, the faster they can assist
Activate GPS Tracker (if installed)
Try locating and sharing data with police
Inform Nearby Businesses or Neighbours
CCTV footage could help in recovery
Post on Local Community Groups
Social media can be a powerful tool for tracking thefts
📊 Theft Stats and Trends to Watch in 2025
Utes make up nearly 35% of vehicle thefts in rural and suburban regions.
Keyless entry thefts have jumped by 23% YoY due to new relay-style attacks.
Queensland leads in total thefts, with many incidents occurring in outer-metro suburbs.
🧠 Final Tips: Secure Your Car, Secure Your Peace of Mind
Australia's car theft scene in 2025 is more complex and digitally driven than ever before. But awareness is your best ally. Knowing which cars are at risk, how thieves operate, and what tech or habits can stop them is crucial.
If you own one of the top 10 stolen models, or even if you don’t, the steps we’ve listed above can dramatically reduce your risk.
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