The number of stolen vehicles reported in Australia increased by 2% in the March quarter, bringing to a halt three years of consecutive reductions. New statistics from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council show the number of vehicles stolen nationally in the first three months of 2004 was 22,240.

Executive Director Ray Carroll says the increase is driven by an 8% increase in thefts in NSW over the December quarter and a 12% increase in Queensland. He says the higher figures are a product of the summer months and the longer daylight hours, although the outlook is more promising.

“I’ve just seen some internal police statistics for NSW and the figure has decreased again,” he said. “It is a timely reminder that we are susceptible to seasonal changes in car theft.”

Mr Carroll says six million cars remain unsecured without immobiliser systems. Older model cars without immobiliser systems continue to be most at risk of theft, with vehicles manufactured from 1980 to 1990 accounting for 57% of thefts.