ACT’s Top 10 Highest Vehicle Theft Areas

Where Did We Get Australian Capital Territory Data From?

The 2025 figures come from crime data published through data.act.gov.au. They cover vehicles stolen across the Australian Capital Territory between January and June 2025.

We used those figures to compare the ACT’s main districts and identify where the highest number of thefts occurred during the reporting period.

Car Theft Across ACT

Belconnen recorded the highest total, with 102 cars stolen in the first half of 2025. Tuggeranong followed with 83, while the Inner North and Gungahlin were close behind at 81 and 80.

The figures show that theft was spread across both established suburbs and newer parts of Canberra.

1. Belconnen: 102 cars stolen

Belconnen had more stolen vehicles than any other ACT district during the reporting period.

The area covers a large part of north-west Canberra and includes residential suburbs, major shopping centres, schools and public transport links. With so many people moving through the district each day, cars are regularly left in driveways, on local streets and in public car parks.

2. Tuggeranong: 83 cars stolen

Tuggeranong recorded 83 thefts.

Located in Canberra’s south, the district is made up of broad residential neighbourhoods built around busy local centres. Shopping areas, schools and community facilities bring a steady flow of traffic into the region throughout the week.

3. Inner North: 81 cars stolen

The Inner North followed closely with 81 stolen vehicles.

This part of Canberra combines older residential streets with offices, universities, shops and popular dining areas. Street parking is common in many neighbourhoods, while public car parks remain busy during working hours and on weekends.

4. Gungahlin: 80 cars stolen

Only one theft separated Gungahlin from the Inner North.

As one of Canberra’s fastest-growing districts, Gungahlin has seen new suburbs, shopping precincts and local services expand quickly. That growth has also brought more vehicles onto residential streets and into busy parking areas.

5. Inner South: 61 cars stolen

The Inner South recorded 61 stolen cars between January and June.

The district includes residential suburbs alongside government offices, businesses, schools and some of Canberra’s best-known public spaces. Cars are often left near workplaces, shops and recreation areas for long stretches of the day.

6. Woden: 24 cars stolen

Woden had 24 vehicles stolen during the reporting period.

Its town centre is one of Canberra’s main business and shopping hubs, with offices, medical facilities and a major hospital drawing people into the area every day. Public parking can remain busy from early morning through to the evening.

7. Weston Creek: 14 cars stolen

Weston Creek recorded the lowest total on the list, with 14 stolen vehicles.

The district is largely residential and has fewer large commercial areas than other parts of Canberra. Even so, theft still occurred across local streets and neighbourhoods during the first half of the year.

Conclusion

Car theft in the ACT was not limited to the busiest parts of Canberra. Vehicles were also taken from quieter residential districts where owners may have felt their cars were relatively safe.

A GPS tracker cannot prevent someone from stealing a vehicle, but it can show where the car has gone. That information can be shared with police and may help them locate and recover it sooner.