Car Theft Falls 40%
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday January 11, 2003
MOTOR vehicle theft has declined dramatically in Wollongong in 12 months - although the city remains one of the state's hot spots.
Latest statistics reveal 1889 vehicles were stolen in Wollongong in the year to September 30, 2002.
That represents a 39 per cent decrease over the previous year, when there were 3104 thefts.
Despite the decline, Wollongong still ranks as the third worst area in the state, with Blacktown and Campbelltown the only cities recording more car thefts.
Shellharbour and Kiama recorded comparatively low figures with 599 and 104 thefts respectively.
For Shellharbour it was a 34 per cent decrease - and Kiama an 18 per cent decrease - on the previous 12 months.
The most popular targets of car thieves in Wollongong were the Holden Commodore (VN and VL models), Ford Falcon (XF and EA II) and the Toyota Tarago.
Across the country the main targets were various Holden Commodore models including the VT, VS and VR, Hyundai Excel and Toyota Hilux.
Wollongong Local Area Command crime management unit's Senior Sergeant Dean Smith said despite the city's comparatively high figures, the huge reduction in theft was promising. Smart policing would help to further reduce the statistics.
``Our figures show that car theft has reduced significantly in the past two years - for instance in December 2002 there were 70 thefts compared to 100 the previous December, and 200 in December 2000," he said.
``I believe the reduction is a result of different police strategies put in place. We have increased the number of operations involving the highway police targeting theft hot spots and known motor vehicle thieves which has resulted in decreased thefts and increased arrests.
``We are also working with other authorities like council, CityRail and shopping centre managements, to ensure better securities in high risk areas like council and shopping centre car parks and near railways.
``As well we have been conducting car park audits and placing leaflets on cars we believe are at high risk of theft."
National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council figures show car theft declined in every state and territory in the 12 months to September 30, 2002.
Nationally, 116,450 vehicles were stolen in that time - around 22,000 fewer than the previous year.
Tasmania led the way with a 35 per cent fall in thefts followed by Victoria with a 19 per cent decline and NSW where thefts dropped by 18 per cent.
However NSW remained the worst state with 43,590 thefts followed by Victoria with 30,130 and Queensland with 15,110.
Council executive director Ray Carroll said the national reduction last year was equivalent to 90 fewer cars being stolen each day.
``This shows that initiatives of the council, insurance companies, motor manufacturers, governments and police are working to deter vehicle theft and car rebirthing," Mr Carroll said.
But he said vehicle theft remained a significant and costly problem that continued to affect one in 60 Australian households.
``Cars that are more than 10 years old account for seven out of 10 thefts," Mr Carroll said.
``Most of these thefts could have been avoided if the owner had fitted an engine immobiliser to the vehicle."
Snr Sgt Smith also warned car owners to ensure they secured their vehicles; to not leave valuables such as mobile phones and wallets exposed and to be mindful of where they parked.
``I would advise people to use authorised car park areas that are well lit and close to where they are going," he said.
© 2003 Illawarra Mercury
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