Can you guess which state has Australia’s worst car theft problem?

Victoria has the worst car theft problem in Australia, with new insurance data revealing more than 12,300 vehicle theft and break-in claims in the state over the past year.

Insurance Statistics Australia data released by the Insurance Council of Australia (↗) shows those claims cost insurers $244 million during 2025-26, with the majority coming from metropolitan areas.

Melbourne is copping the worst of it, with more cars stolen or broken into in the Victorian capital than in every other Australian capital city combined. Victoria was also the only state or territory to record an increase in car theft and break-in claims over the period, with every other state and territory recording a decline.

“In Victoria a car is stolen or broken into every 43 minutes, and a home is broken into every two hours,” said Andrew Hall, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia.

Manufacturers are taking the front foot as vehicle theft continues to evolve. Toyota has launched a $1735 factory-approved secondary immobiliser for current-generation LandCruiser 300 and Prado 250 models, adding another layer of protection to the factory security system. The system requires a dedicated immobiliser fob to be within range before the vehicle can be started and also includes an independently powered siren with battery backup. The move follows Toyota’s introduction of a physical steering wheel lock for the LandCruiser 300 earlier this year.

Victoria also tops property theft claims

Newly released ISA data shows Victoria is also leading the country for property theft and burglary claims, with insurers receiving almost 3900 claims worth more than $56 million over the past year.

The Insurance Council says the figures highlight the need for stronger action on vehicle theft and property crime across the state. As part of its election platform for the next Victorian Government, the Insurance Council is calling for a statewide strategy to reduce car theft and property crime, including stronger intelligence sharing, targeted prevention measures and investment in specialist law enforcement capabilities.

The organisation has also called for changes to disaster recovery arrangements and the removal of stamp duty on insurance products, among other measures.

Five ways to protect your 4×4 from thieves

1. Add a second immobiliser

A quality aftermarket immobiliser gives thieves another hurdle to clear rather than relying solely on the vehicle’s factory security system.

2. Lock up the spare wheel

A full-size spare hanging off the back of a 4×4 can be an easy target. A quality locking wheel nut or other anti-theft device can make it harder to remove.

3. Secure your aftermarket gear

Recovery equipment, winches, tools, fridges and other expensive kit can make a 4×4 more attractive to thieves. Where possible, keep valuable gear locked away rather than loose in the tub or cargo area.

4. Fit a physical deterrent

A steering wheel lock adds another physical barrier to a vehicle and is particularly useful alongside electronic security measures.

5. Park somewhere difficult to target

A locked garage is the obvious option, but a locked gate, CCTV or a well-lit area can also make a vehicle less appealing to thieves.