Australia Records 36.4% Increase in Vehicle Thefts Over Four-Year Surge

Australia has experienced a sustained and significant increase in recorded vehicle thefts, with official data confirming a rise for four consecutive years. Between 2020 and 2024, the total number of recorded cases grew from 48,095 to 65,603. This represents a cumulative increase of 36.4% over the four-year period, marking the highest number of recorded vehicle thefts on record for the country.

4 straight years of increase

The upward trajectory of vehicle theft in Australia began in 2020, when 48,095 cases were recorded. In 2021, the number of recorded thefts rose to 49,735. The momentum of the increase accelerated in 2022, reaching 54,985 cases. This trend continued into 2023, with 60,999 recorded incidents, before reaching the 2024 total of 65,603. Each year since 2020 has seen a higher volume of vehicle thefts than the year preceding it, resulting in a consistent, multi-year expansion of the total count.

Where it hits hardest

The distribution of vehicle thefts across Australia in 2024 shows a concentration of cases in the most populous states. Victoria recorded the highest number of incidents with 22,504 cases. Queensland followed with 17,493 recorded thefts, and New South Wales recorded 12,319 cases. Western Australia reported 5,653 incidents, while South Australia recorded 3,479. The Northern Territory, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory reported 1,737, 1,493, and 920 cases respectively.

About these figures

These statistics are provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The figures represent officially recorded cases of vehicle theft across Australia. The data reflects the total count of incidents reported to and recorded by authorities, providing a comprehensive overview of the four-year trend in vehicle-related crime across all states and territories.