Experiencing vehicle theft is a distressing and frustrating ordeal.
However, staying calm and taking immediate action can significantly improve your chances of recovering your vehicle.
In this guide, we’ll outline the crucial steps you should take when your vehicle is stolen, from confirming whether it was towed to using social media and online marketplaces to aid recovery.
Step 1: Confirm Whether Your Vehicle Was Stolen or Towed
Before assuming the worst, verify whether your vehicle was towed.
Many people panic and report their car as stolen when it was actually impounded due to a parking violation, expired registration, or other infractions.
Filing a false police report, even unintentionally, can cause unnecessary complications.
How to Check if Your Car Was Towed:
- Call Local Towing Services – Most cities have a dedicated towing hotline or database where you can check if your vehicle was impounded.
- Check Street Signs & Regulations – If you parked in a restricted area, construction zone, or private property, your car may have been lawfully towed.
- Contact Your City’s Parking Authority – Some municipalities post a list of recently towed vehicles online.
If you confirm your car was not towed, proceed immediately to report it as stolen.
Step 2: Report the Theft to the Police and Your Insurance Company
How to File a Police Report?
A stolen vehicle must be reported to the police as soon as possible.
In Australia, you can do this in two ways:
- Call the Police Assistance Line (131 444) – Available 24/7 for non-urgent crimes.
- File an Online Report – If the theft is valued under $5,000, you may report it online.
When reporting, have the following details ready:
- Date and Time of Theft
- Last Known Location of Your Vehicle
- Features, Colour, and Modifications – Vehicle make, model, colour, and any distinguishing features
- Any Extra Information – License plate number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Filing a report is essential for both vehicle recovery and insurance claims. Insurance companies require an official police report before processing compensation.
Contacting Your Insurance Company
Once the police report is filed, notify your insurance provider. However, be mindful that filing a claim may increase your premium rates.
If your car is recovered undamaged, you may want to delay reporting to avoid unnecessary premium hikes—but this is risky.
If you delay too long and your vehicle is found damaged, you may struggle to get full compensation.
Important Insurance Considerations:
- Personal Items Are Not Covered – If you left valuable items (e.g., laptops, wallets, or phones) inside, they are not included in vehicle insurance. Check your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance for coverage.
- If Your Car Is Financed or Leased – Inform your lender or leasing company immediately. They technically still own the vehicle, and some offer theft protection or financial assistance.
Step 3: Spread the Word and Investigate Leads
The police handle numerous stolen vehicle cases daily, and unfortunately, theft investigations can take time.
The best way to increase urgency and assist recovery is to actively spread awareness.
Use Facebook and Online Groups
Social media has become one of the most effective tools for recovering stolen vehicles. Many stolen cars and motorcycles have been found, thanks to online communities.
Post in stolen vehicle groups like:
- Stolen Motorcycles Australia
- COMBAT – Community of Bikers Against Theft – Stolen Motorbikes Australia
- Stolen Vehicles in Victoria, Australia
- The Facebook Stolen Dirt Bike Page – Western Australia
Your post should include:
- Clear photos of your vehicle
- Date, time, and location of the theft
- License plate number and VIN
- Any unique modifications or stickers
Check Online Marketplaces for Your Stolen Vehicle
Car thieves frequently attempt to sell stolen vehicles online with fake documentation.
Look for suspicious listings on:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Gumtree
- Car sales
Use search filters that match your vehicle’s make, model, and colour, and keep an eye out for listings with vague descriptions or unusually low prices.
If you find a matching listing, do NOT confront the seller! Instead, alert the police immediately.
Gather Evidence: CCTV and Witness Statements
- Ask Nearby Businesses or Homes for CCTV Footage – If your car was stolen from a parking lot or residential area, surveillance footage can provide crucial leads.
- Talk to Witnesses – Passersby may have seen the theft in action and can describe the suspect, their direction of travel, or even a getaway vehicle.
The more information you gather, the better your chances of finding the vehicle quickly.
Step 4: Monitor Updates and Protect Yourself Against Further Losses
Once you’ve reported the theft and spread the word, it’s time to take protective measures while you wait for updates.
Prevent Identity Theft If Documents Were Inside the Car
If you left any personal documents in the stolen vehicle—such as your driver’s license, registration papers, or bank cards—you could be at risk of identity theft.
Take these steps immediately:
- Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit File – Contact credit bureaus (like Equifax or Experian) to prevent criminals from opening accounts in your name.
- Report Stolen Credit/Debit Cards – Call your bank to cancel and replace stolen cards.
- Replace Your Driver’s License – Notify your local transport authority to issue a new license and flag the stolen one.
Stay Alert for Any Updates
Monitor social media, local police reports, and online marketplaces regularly. If someone spots your car, coordinate with law enforcement before taking any action.
Recovered Vehicle? Get It Inspected!
If your vehicle is found, it will need both legal and mechanical inspections before you can drive it again:
- Police Clearance – The theft status must be officially removed from the police database to avoid future legal complications.
- Mechanical Inspection – Stolen vehicles may have sustained damage or modifications during the time they were missing. A professional check-up ensures it is roadworthy and safe.
If Your Vehicle Is Not Recovered
If your car remains missing after a significant period, you may need to move on and replace it. Consider investing in a more secure vehicle with better anti-theft features, such as:
- GPS Tracking Devices
- Steering Wheel Locks
- Dash Cameras with Motion Sensors
Here is the cheat sheet we use.
If you’re on mobile, we recommend saving the images below.
Conclusion
If you complete these four steps, the chance that you will recover your motorcycle, car or any vehicle in a suitable condition, doubles.
In this game, it’s all about speed, the faster the recovery, the less potential damage there will be.
If you are worried about theft and don’t want to go through the above steps, I implore you to get your own Solid GPS tracker.
Having a wireless Solid GPS tracker anywhere on your vehicle is something you wish to never have to use. But if worst comes to worst, you will be forever thankful for this tiny Aussie-made device.
Want to learn more about safeguarding your vehicle? Explore our FAQ section for expert insights and practical security tips.
