Car thefts and break-ins rose slightly last year, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show.

Police recorded 55,382 motor vehicle thefts in 2011, up 1.1% on 2010.

Unlawful entry with intent rose 0.6% to 218,193 incidents.

Both crimes were most likely to occur at homes – 43% of car thefts and 71% of unlawful entries.