Top 8 Highest Vehicle Theft States in Australia

Where Did We Get Australia Theft Data From?

The 2025 figures come from state police and crime agencies across Australia. We used the latest crime data from each state and territory to identify where thieves stole the most cars in 2025.

Car Theft Across Australia

Victoria had the highest number of stolen cars in Australia in 2025, with 32,013 vehicles taken.

1. Victoria: 32,013 cars stolen

Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city, and much of Victoria’s population lives in and around it. With busy suburbs, shopping centres and growing housing estates, there are plenty of places where vehicles are left parked throughout the day and night.

2. Queensland: 18,573 cars stolen

Queensland came next with 18,573 stolen cars. From the Gold Coast to Cairns, the state has several large and growing cities. Brisbane in particular has busy streets, residential areas and car parks filled with vehicles every day.

3. New South Wales: 14,845 cars stolen

In New South Wales, 14,845 cars were stolen. Sydney accounts for a large share of the state’s population, alongside major centres such as Newcastle and Wollongong. Across these cities and their surrounding suburbs, thousands of cars are parked outside homes, workplaces and businesses each day.

4. South Australia: 14,492 cars stolen

South Australia was close behind New South Wales, with 14,492 stolen cars. Most people in the state live around Adelaide, putting a large concentration of vehicles in the capital and its surrounding suburbs, shopping areas and business districts.

5. Western Australia: 4,607 cars stolen

Despite being Australia’s largest state by land area, Western Australia’s population is heavily concentrated around Perth. The state recorded 4,607 stolen cars in 2025, with the highest number of thefts occurring in the capital.

6. Tasmania: 1,504 cars stolen

Tasmania had 1,504 cars stolen during the year. Most of its population is centred around Hobart, Launceston and Devonport, which is also where most car theft is reported.

7. Australian Capital Territory: 968 cars stolen

The Australian Capital Territory recorded 968 stolen cars. With most of the territory’s population based in Canberra, theft is mainly reported around the city’s suburbs, shopping areas and public car parks.

8. Northern Territory: 574 cars stolen

At 574 stolen cars, the Northern Territory had the lowest total in Australia in 2025. Most of its population lives around Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine.

Conclusion

Car theft often happens when no one is watching. A vehicle can be taken overnight or while its owner is away, and by the time anyone notices, the thief may already be gone.

A GPS tracker cannot prevent theft, but it can help police track and recover your car.