Where Did We Get Northern Territory Theft Data From?
The 2025 figures come from vehicle theft data published by Northern Territory Police. They show where cars were stolen across the territory during the year.
We used those figures to rank the seven reporting areas with the highest number of stolen vehicles.
Car Theft Across the Northern Territory
Darwin recorded the highest total in 2025, with 215 cars stolen. NT Balance followed with 106, while Alice Springs and Palmerston were almost level at 101 and 100.
The numbers were lower in Katherine and Tennant Creek, while Nhulunbuy recorded only one stolen vehicle.
1. Darwin: 215 cars stolen
Darwin accounted for more car thefts than any other part of the Northern Territory.
As the territory’s capital and largest city, it has the greatest concentration of homes, businesses, shopping centres and public parking. Cars are left across residential streets, driveways and busy commercial areas throughout the day and night.
2. NT Balance: 106 cars stolen
NT Balance covers communities and locations outside the main reporting areas, rather than one single town or city.
The area stretches across a large part of the territory and includes regional settlements, remote communities and local service centres. Long travel distances make cars especially important, so losing one can create serious problems for people with few other ways to get around.
3. Alice Springs: 101 cars stolen
Alice Springs recorded 101 stolen vehicles during the year.
The town is a major service and transport centre for Central Australia, with residents and visitors relying heavily on cars. Vehicles are regularly parked outside homes, shopping areas, accommodation and public facilities across the town.
These NT suburbs have the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. If you park in or near these areas, a hidden GPS tracker could be the difference between a recovered vehicle and a total loss.
4. Palmerston: 100 cars stolen
Only one theft separated Palmerston from Alice Springs.
Located south-east of Darwin, Palmerston has grown quickly and now includes large residential areas, schools, shopping centres and community facilities. That expansion has brought more traffic and more parked vehicles into the city.
5. Katherine: 30 cars stolen
Katherine had 30 vehicles stolen in 2025.
The regional town serves surrounding communities and people travelling along the Stuart Highway. Cars are essential for work, shopping and longer trips, which makes a theft particularly disruptive for local owners.
6. Tennant Creek: 21 cars stolen
Tennant Creek recorded 21 stolen cars.
Its position along the Stuart Highway makes it an important stop for residents, workers and travellers moving through the centre of the territory. With limited public transport, most people depend on their own vehicle for everyday travel.
7. Nhulunbuy: 1 car stolen
Nhulunbuy recorded the lowest total, with one vehicle stolen during the year.
The remote Arnhem Land town has a much smaller population than the territory’s other reporting areas, which helps explain the low figure.
Conclusion
The Northern Territory recorded fewer stolen cars than the larger Australian states, but the impact of a theft can be just as serious. In remote and regional communities, a vehicle may be the only practical way to reach work, shops or essential services.
A GPS tracker cannot prevent a car from being stolen, but it can show where the vehicle has gone. That information can be shared with police and may help them locate and recover it sooner.
Sources:
https://pfes.nt.gov.au/sites/default/files/uploads/crime-publication/2026/NT_crime_statistics_December_2025_website.pdf
https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/guides/road-safety/car-safe-neighbourhoods.html?
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-09/nt-stolen-cars-police-social-media-notoriety/104907376?
Vehicle theft across the NT rose in every area from 2022 to 2025, and Darwin alone had 215 stolen last year. Your car can be protected by this time tomorrow. Instant alerts, 12-month battery, 4G tracking.
