
Queensland, a state in Australia known for its stunning beaches, tropical climate, and vibrant cities, has unfortunately earned the title of the country's car theft capital. With a worrying number of vehicle thefts, Queensland, and particularly its capital city Brisbane, has become a hotspot for car thieves. Data reveals a concerning trend of rising car thefts in the state, impacting thousands of vehicle owners and causing significant financial losses. The situation has led to increased stress and security concerns among Queenslanders, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and community vigilance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Queensland's rank in vehicle thefts in Australia | First |
| Number of vehicles stolen in Queensland in 2023 | 16,202 |
| City in Queensland with the highest number of vehicle thefts in 2023 | Brisbane (4,814) |
| City in Queensland with the second-highest number of vehicle thefts in 2023 | Gold Coast (2,776) |
| City that saw an increase in vehicle thefts from 2022 to 2023 | Rockhampton (from 619 to 583) |
| City that saw a decrease in vehicle thefts from 2022 to 2023 | Toowoomba (from 949 to 652) |
| Queensland city with the highest frequency of stolen vehicles | Brisbane's inner city |
| Queensland city that experienced the biggest jump in car theft claims | Fitzroy (72% increase) |
| Queensland city that saw the second-biggest jump in car theft claims | Logan (37% increase) |
| Queensland city with the highest theft value for a vehicle model | N/A (Ford Ranger PX MY11+) |
| Day and time when vehicles are most likely to be stolen in Queensland | Saturday, 8:00 PM - 11:59 PM |
| Number of motor vehicle theft claims in Australia in 2024 | 28,000 |
| Percentage increase in motor vehicle theft claims in Australia from 2015 to 2024 | 27% |
| Australian state that saw the biggest increase in theft claim frequency from 2015 to 2024 | Queensland (rural and regional: 62%, metro: 39%) |
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What You'll Learn
- Brisbane: Queensland's capital, with the highest number of car thefts
- Queensland: Australia's car theft capital, with 16,202 vehicles stolen in 2023
- Fitzroy and Logan: Central Queensland areas with the biggest jump in car theft claims
- Townsville and Cairns: Queensland cities with the highest frequency of car thefts
- Queensland car thefts: a stressful ordeal, with 10% increase in insurance claims

Brisbane: Queensland's capital, with the highest number of car thefts
Queensland, a state in northeast Australia, is known for its stunning beaches, tropical climate, vibrant cities, and unfortunately, its rampant vehicle theft problem. In 2021, there were a total of 55,427 vehicle thefts across Australia, with Queensland taking the top spot, recording over 15,805 thefts. This trend continued in 2023, with Queensland reporting 16,202 vehicle thefts, solidifying its position as Australia's vehicle theft capital.
Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, has the dubious distinction of being the worst city in Australia for car theft. With a population of over 2,400,000, Brisbane is a bustling hub of culture and industry, known for its universities, research institutions, and technology companies. It also boasts a vibrant arts, entertainment, and nightlife scene. These factors, combined with its large population, make it a prime target for vehicle thieves.
In 2023, Brisbane recorded 4,814 vehicle thefts, a notable increase from the previous year's figure of 4,504. This represents a significant portion of the total vehicle thefts in Queensland and contributes to the state's high theft rate of 3.7 per 1,000 vehicles. Brisbane's inner city, along with Townsville and Cairns, has been specifically identified as an area with a high frequency of stolen vehicles.
The issue of car theft in Queensland is a growing concern. Between 2015 and 2024, the number of motor vehicle theft claims rose from 22,000 to 28,000, an increase of 27%. This problem is not isolated to metropolitan areas, as rural and regional Queensland also experienced a significant spike in theft claim frequency, with a startling 62% increase.
The Ford Ranger PX MY11+, a pickup truck, has been identified as the model with the highest theft value in Queensland. The total value of stolen vehicles of this model exceeds AU$5 million. Queenslanders are increasingly aware of the rising car thefts in their area, with more than half expressing concern about the growing risk. As a result, vehicle owners are encouraged to take precautions and remain vigilant to protect their property.
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Queensland: Australia's car theft capital, with 16,202 vehicles stolen in 2023
Queensland has gained an unfortunate reputation as Australia's car theft capital, with a staggering 16,202 vehicles stolen in 2023. This issue has been a growing concern for Queensland residents, with car theft claims on the rise. The data reveals that Queensland experienced a notable increase in theft claims, with a 62% surge in rural and regional areas and a 39% increase in metropolitan regions from 2015 to 2024.
Delving into specific areas within Queensland, Brisbane, the state's capital, stands out as the city with the highest number of vehicle thefts. In 2023, Brisbane recorded 4,814 stolen vehicles, reflecting an upward trend from 4,504 thefts in 2022. The Gold Coast, a popular coastal city in South East Queensland, also experienced a significant number of vehicle thefts, with 2,776 cases in 2023.
Rockhampton, a city in Central Queensland, witnessed 583 vehicle thefts in 2023, while Toowoomba saw a decrease in thefts, dropping from 949 to 652. Additionally, Fitzroy in central Queensland experienced a striking 72% increase in car theft claims, and Logan, in south-east Queensland, saw a 37% rise.
The Ford Ranger PX MY11+, a pickup truck, has been identified as the model with the highest theft value in Queensland, with total thefts amounting to over AU$5 million. The rampant vehicle theft in Queensland has not gone unnoticed by its residents, with over half of Queenslanders acknowledging the rising trend in their vicinity and expressing concern over the escalating risk.
To address this pressing issue, community efforts and enhanced security measures are crucial. Queenslanders are advised to remain vigilant and take precautions, especially when parking their cars overnight, as Saturday evenings between 8 pm and midnight have been identified as the prime time for car thieves to strike in the state.
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Fitzroy and Logan: Central Queensland areas with the biggest jump in car theft claims
Queensland, Australia, is known for its stunning beaches, tropical climate, and vibrant cities. Unfortunately, vehicle theft is rampant in this state, with 16,202 vehicles stolen in 2023. Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, has the highest number of vehicle thefts in the state, with 4,814 vehicles stolen in 2023.
While Brisbane has the highest number of vehicle thefts in Queensland, other areas are experiencing significant increases in car theft claims. Fitzroy, in central Queensland, experienced a 72% increase in car theft claims, the biggest jump in the state. Logan, in southeast Queensland, saw the second-biggest increase, with a 37% rise in car theft claims.
The surge in car thefts across Queensland has not gone unnoticed by its residents. More than half of Queenslanders are aware of rising car thefts in their area or nearby, and of those, 40% are very concerned about the growing risk. The high rate of vehicle theft in Queensland has also caught the attention of insurance companies. RACQ Insurance has seen a 10% increase in car theft claims over the past year, with Brisbane's inner city, Townsville, and Cairns experiencing the highest frequency of stolen vehicles.
To combat the rise in car thefts, Queenslanders are encouraged to take precautions to protect their vehicles. This includes treating car keys like cash, parking in secure locations, and being mindful of security when leaving their vehicles. By taking these steps, Queenslanders can reduce the risk of vehicle theft and keep their belongings safe.
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Townsville and Cairns: Queensland cities with the highest frequency of car thefts
Queensland, a state in North East Australia, is known for its beaches, tropical climate, and vibrant cities. Unfortunately, it has also gained a reputation for being a hotspot for vehicle theft, with the highest number of car thefts in Australia. In 2021, there were over 15,805 car thefts in Queensland, and the problem only worsened in subsequent years, with 16,202 vehicles stolen in 2023.
While Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, has consistently reported a high number of vehicle thefts, with 4,814 cars stolen in 2023, other cities in Queensland are also facing a rampant vehicle theft problem. Townsville and Cairns have been identified as areas with a high frequency of car thefts, causing great concern among residents.
The issue of car theft in Queensland is not limited to a single city, with Toowoomba, Rockhampton, and Fitzroy also experiencing varying trends in vehicle theft rates. Toowoomba saw a decrease in thefts from 949 to 652, while Rockhampton reported an increase from 619 to 583. Fitzroy, in central Queensland, experienced a significant jump in car theft claims of 72%. These varying trends highlight the dynamic nature of vehicle theft in Queensland and the need for ongoing vigilance and enhanced security measures.
The high rate of car thefts in Queensland has not gone unnoticed by its residents, with more than half aware of the rising car thefts in their area. This has led to increased stress and concern among Queenslanders, who are now taking extra precautions to protect their vehicles. The Ford Ranger PX MY11+, a pickup truck, has been identified as a model at high risk of theft, with owners advised to take extra vigilance.
The alarming rate of car thefts in Queensland has also caught the attention of insurance companies, with RACQ Insurance reporting a 10% increase in car theft claims over a one-year period. The Insurance Council of Australia has also noted the significant rise in motor vehicle theft claims, with Queensland and Victoria experiencing the biggest increases from 2015 to 2024. The value of motor vehicles, along with the cost of parts and labour, has contributed to the growing concern surrounding car theft in Queensland.
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Queensland car thefts: a stressful ordeal, with 10% increase in insurance claims
Queensland, a state in North-East Australia, is known for its beaches, tropical climate, and vibrant cities. Unfortunately, it has also gained a reputation for being the vehicle theft capital of Australia. Brisbane, the state's capital, reported the highest number of vehicle thefts, with 4,814 cars stolen in 2023. This has led to a significant increase in insurance claims, with RACQ Insurance reporting a 10% surge in car theft claims. The situation is a stressful ordeal for Queenslanders, and the rising trend of car thefts has not gone unnoticed, with over half of Queenslanders aware of the increasing incidents in their area.
The Ford Ranger PX MY11+, a pickup truck, has been identified as the model with the highest theft value in Queensland, with losses totaling over $5 million Australian dollars. The issue is not isolated to a particular region within Queensland, as vehicle theft data from 2022 to 2023 illustrates varying trends across different areas. For instance, Brisbane witnessed an increase in thefts, while Toowoomba experienced a decrease. Rockhampton, a city in Central Queensland, reported 583 vehicle thefts in 2023, a slight rise from the previous year's figure of 619.
The data reveals that Fitzroy in central Queensland experienced a staggering 72% jump in car theft claims, making it the area with the most significant increase. Logan, in south-east Queensland, followed closely behind with a 37% surge. Queensland's metro areas, including Townsville, Cairns, and Brisbane's inner city, have been particularly vulnerable to car theft, contributing to the overall rise in insurance claims.
The high rate of car theft in Queensland has prompted insurance providers like ICA Deputy CEO Kylie Macfarlane to acknowledge the growing concern. The increasing value of motor vehicles, along with the rising cost of parts and labor, has exerted upward pressure on insurance premiums across Australia. Queensland's distinction as the vehicle theft capital has significant implications for insurance companies and policyholders alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Queensland has been dubbed Australia's car theft capital, with 16,202 vehicles stolen in 2023.
Brisbane, the state capital, has the highest number of vehicle thefts in Queensland, with 4,814 vehicles stolen in 2023.
Other Queensland cities with notable car theft rates include Rockhampton (583 vehicles stolen in 2023), the Gold Coast (2,776 vehicles stolen in 2023), Townsville, Cairns, and Logan.
Brisbane's high rate of car thefts can be attributed to its large population, vibrant nightlife, and status as a hub for universities, research institutions, and technology companies. These factors make it a prime target for vehicle thieves.











































