Where Did We Get South Australia Theft Data From?
The 2025 figures come from vehicle theft data published by South Australia Police through data.gov.au. The data shows where the most cars were stolen across the state during the year.
We used those figures to rank the ten areas with the highest number of stolen vehicles.
Car Theft Across South Australia
Adelaide recorded the highest total in 2025, with 419 cars stolen. Port Lincoln followed with 161, while Mawson Lakes ranked third with 104.
The list includes inner-city suburbs, growing northern communities and several major regional centres.
1. Adelaide: 419 cars stolen
Adelaide topped the list with 419 stolen vehicles.
As the state’s capital and busiest urban centre, it has a constant flow of cars moving through residential streets, shopping areas, workplaces and public car parks. Many vehicles are left unattended for long periods, particularly around the city centre and nearby suburbs.
2. Port Lincoln: 161 cars stolen
Port Lincoln recorded 161 thefts, making it the highest-ranked regional city on the list.
The coastal centre brings together homes, local businesses, shops and busy roads used by residents and visitors. Cars are an important part of everyday travel across the Eyre Peninsula, so they are commonly parked outside homes and around commercial areas throughout the day.
3. Mawson Lakes: 104 cars stolen
Mawson Lakes had 104 vehicles stolen during the year.
The northern suburb combines housing, schools, shops and large business parks. With students, workers and residents moving through the area each day, local streets and car parks can remain busy from morning until late in the evening.
4. Prospect: 95 cars stolen
Just north of Adelaide’s city centre, Prospect recorded 95 stolen cars.
It is a well-established residential area with busy main roads, local shops and plenty of street parking. Its proximity to the city also means vehicles are regularly left outside homes or near businesses for hours at a time.
5. Ingle Farm: 79 cars stolen
Ingle Farm recorded 79 vehicle thefts in 2025.
The suburb has a large residential population along with schools, shopping centres and community facilities. Cars are spread across driveways, local streets and public parking areas throughout the day.
6. Port Augusta: 74 cars stolen
Port Augusta had 74 vehicles stolen.
Sitting at the top of Spencer Gulf, it is an important transport and service centre for northern South Australia. Local traffic mixes with vehicles travelling through the region, keeping roads, businesses and accommodation areas busy.
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7. Parafield Gardens: 73 cars stolen
Parafield Gardens followed closely with 73 thefts.
The northern suburb includes long residential streets, parks, schools and shopping areas. Many homes rely on driveways or street parking, leaving vehicles outside overnight.
8. Paralowie: 68 cars stolen
Paralowie recorded 68 stolen cars during the year.
It is one of South Australia’s larger suburbs, with broad residential areas and several busy local roads. The size of the suburb means vehicles are spread across many streets, shopping precincts and community spaces.
9. Mount Gambier: 66 cars stolen
Mount Gambier had 66 vehicles stolen in 2025.
As the largest city in South Australia’s south-east, it serves as a major centre for surrounding towns and communities. Residents and visitors regularly leave cars near shops, workplaces, homes and public facilities across the city.
10. Windsor Gardens: 61 cars stolen
Windsor Gardens rounds out the list with 61 stolen vehicles.
The north-eastern suburb sits close to major roads and includes a mix of homes, schools and shopping areas. Cars are often parked along residential streets or near local businesses while their owners are elsewhere.
Conclusion
South Australia’s figures show that car theft is not limited to the centre of Adelaide. Vehicles were also stolen from outer suburbs, coastal cities and regional transport hubs across the state.
A car can be taken quickly, and the owner may not realise it is missing until much later. A GPS tracker cannot prevent the theft, but it can show where the vehicle has gone and give police information that may help them recover it.
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