Passenger and light commercial vehicle thefts have fallen to their lowest level in more than 30 years following a police crackdown.

Last financial year, 46,149 passenger and light commercial vehicles were reported stolen, down 6% from the previous year, National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) data shows.

It is the lowest number seen among records dating from 1980.

In 2011/12 thefts increased amid tougher economic circumstances, breaking the long-term declining trend and prompting fear of further jumps.

“It is very pleasing that it has come back down,” NMVTRC Executive Director Ray Carroll told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Police have really concentrated on car theft again and we do know that concentrated police action can have fairly immediate impacts on numbers.”

Short-term thefts fell 7% to 34,813 last financial year, while profit-motivated thefts fell 2% to 11,336.

Anti-theft equipment has aided the long-term decline, but Mr Carroll says reports of car keys being taken during house burglaries – often of occupied homes – are rising.

“There is a real challenge in that because personal safety is the top priority,” he said. “If we tell people to hide their keys you may be increasing the risk of confrontation.

“But you don’t want to leave your keys in full view next to a window or something like that.”

More than 60% of passenger and light commercial vehicles stolen are more than 10 years old, while 22% are between five and 10 years old.

The Hyundai Excel X3 is the top target for short-term theft, followed by the Holden Commodore VT and VE.

Total thefts, including passenger and light commercial vehicles, motorcycles and other vehicles, declined 4% to 57,649 last financial year, averaging 158 a day.

Motorcycle thefts grew 7% to 8613 as short-term thefts increased 10% and profit-motivated activity increased 4%.

Short-term and profit-motivated thefts declined in NSW and SA and increased in WA and Queensland.