Queensland’s Top 10 Highest Vehicle Theft Areas

Map of Queensland with location pins marking vehicle theft hotspots beside a silver Toyota RAV4 SUV.

Where Did We Get Queensland Theft Data From?

The 2025 figures come from vehicle theft data published by the Queensland Parliament. They cover thefts recorded across the state between March and June 2025.

We used the figures to identify the ten police regions with the highest number of stolen cars during that period.

Car Theft Across Queensland

South Brisbane recorded the highest total, with 802 cars stolen in just four months. The Gold Coast followed with 583, while North Brisbane recorded 509.

The list includes densely populated parts of Brisbane, fast-growing coastal communities and major regional centres across northern and central Queensland.

Queensland vehicle theft data ranks South Brisbane highest with 802 stolen vehicles, followed by the Gold Coast and North Brisbane.

1. South Brisbane: 802 cars stolen

South Brisbane topped the list by a clear margin.

The region covers a busy part of the city, with residential neighbourhoods sitting alongside shopping precincts, workplaces and major transport routes. That constant movement means cars are parked across the area at all hours, whether outside homes, near stations or around commercial centres.

2. Gold Coast: 583 cars stolen

The Gold Coast had the second highest total, with 583 vehicles taken.

It is not only a tourist destination. The region also has a large permanent population spread across established suburbs and newer housing developments. Beach parking, shopping centres, nightlife areas and residential streets all bring large numbers of vehicles into public spaces each day.

3. North Brisbane: 509 cars stolen

North Brisbane recorded 509 thefts.

The area includes a broad mix of family suburbs, schools, business districts and transport hubs. Some neighbourhoods are heavily dependent on street parking, while railway stations and shopping precincts can leave vehicles unattended for hours.

Queensland car theft infographic stating the state has been labelled Australia’s car theft capital, with many offences involving young people.

Queensland is the second-largest vehicle theft capital in Australia, with 18,573 vehicles stolen in 2025. South Brisbane, Gold Coast and North Brisbane all went up again. If you live or park anywhere in QLD, Solid GPS sends an alert when your car moves and gives police a live location link. From

4. Logan: 463 cars stolen

Logan sits between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, placing it along one of the busiest parts of south-east Queensland.

Its population has grown quickly, with new estates, shopping centres and local services spreading across the region. During the reporting period, 463 cars were stolen.

5. Townsville: 386 cars stolen

Townsville was the highest-ranked regional centre, with 386 stolen vehicles.

As North Queensland’s largest city, it has busy residential areas, commercial precincts, industrial sites and major roads connecting different parts of the region. Cars are essential for getting around, and many are left outside overnight.

6. Far North: 348 cars stolen

Far North Queensland recorded 348 thefts, with Cairns forming the main urban centre.

The city attracts residents, workers and visitors throughout the year, while surrounding communities often rely heavily on cars for everyday travel. Hotels, shopping areas, homes and tourist destinations keep vehicles moving across the region throughout the day.

Australian car insurance infographic comparing theft cover under third party fire and theft insurance with comprehensive vehicle insurance.

7. Darling Downs: 228 cars stolen

The Darling Downs includes Toowoomba and a wide stretch of surrounding towns.

Public transport is limited in many parts of the region, so driving is often the most practical option. Cars are commonly left outside homes, shops and workplaces, and 228 were stolen between March and June.

8. Ipswich: 218 cars stolen

Ipswich continues to expand as more people move into the western edge of greater Brisbane.

New housing estates have brought more traffic, more local shopping areas and more cars into suburban streets. The region recorded 218 thefts during the four-month period.

9. Moreton: 216 cars stolen

Moreton followed closely behind Ipswich with 216 stolen vehicles.

The region stretches across coastal communities, established suburbs and rapidly developing areas north of Brisbane. That mix creates very different parking conditions, from driveways and quiet suburban streets to busy shopping precincts and waterfront areas.

When Vehicle Theft Is Most Common in Queensland Alt Text: Queensland vehicle theft data shows motor vehicle thefts are most likely to occur on Saturdays between 8:00 PM and 11:59 PM.

10. Capricornia: 208 cars stolen

Capricornia rounds out the list with 208 thefts.

Rockhampton is the region’s main centre, supported by smaller surrounding communities where cars remain an important part of daily life. Vehicles are regularly left outside homes, local businesses and town centres while their owners are elsewhere.

Conclusion

Queensland’s theft figures show that the problem is not confined to Brisbane. Cars were stolen from major cities, coastal regions and inland communities during the reporting period.

A thief may only need a few minutes to take a vehicle, and the owner may not notice until much later. A GPS tracker cannot stop the theft, but it can show where the car has gone and provide police with information that may help them recover it.

Sources:
https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableoffice/questionsanswers/2025/855-2025.pdf?
https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/news/car-theft-australia-research-2023-stolen-vehicles/?
https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/guides/road-safety/car-safe-neighbourhoods.html?

18,573 vehicles were stolen in Queensland in 2025. More than any other state in Australia. Solid GPS hides inside your car, fires an instant theft alert to your phone and shares a live location with police in one tap. Built in Australia. Free shipping.

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