Initiatives to curb the rate of motor vehicle thefts in Australia aren’t biting yet. According to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, 38,300 thefts were recorded nationally in the December 2000 quarter. That’s 4% higher than for the corresponding period last year.

The council says older, less secure vehicles continue to provide easy targets for thieves, with almost six out of 10 vehicles stolen during the period manufactured in the 1980s.

Only 45% of stolen vehicles manufactured since 1992 have been recovered, confirming the council’s belief that the trade in “rebirthing” and illicit parts remains active.

And it’s not all young opportunists, either. The council said professional thieves are very active.