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Car theft falls 8%

Car theft in Australia declined 8% last year with big decreases in Tasmania and the ACT.

Latest figures from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council show 59,410 cars and light commercial vehicles were unlawfully taken last year – 4601 less than the prior year.

Car theft was 28% down in Tasmania and 19% in the ACT.

Some 76% of stolen cars were recovered.

The council says 69% of cars stolen had no engine immobilisation device fitted.