Passenger and light commercial vehicle thefts have dropped 62% since 2000, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

In 2000, 371 cars were stolen each day from a fleet of about 11 million, falling to 142 last year from a fleet of more than 16.7 million.

The nature of thefts has also changed, with hot-wiring out and accessing keys now the method used in almost 75% of passenger and light commercial vehicle thefts.

This is attributable to the fact 84% of these vehicles are now fitted with Australian Standards-equivalent immobilisers, compared with just 5% in 2000.

The NMVTRC says thefts from residences have increased from 27% to 51% of all PLC crimes, reflecting the increase in key theft.

Thefts of large passenger vehicles accounted for 21% of all passenger and light commercial vehicle crimes last year, compared with 44% in 2000, reflecting a rise in the proportion of small cars in the fleet.

Thefts of SUVs have risen 81%. These vehicles now make up 21% of the fleet, compared with 5% in 2000.

Motorcycle thefts have increased 37%, with the fleet size increasing by 54%. About 60% of motorbike thefts last year were for short-term use.