Most car thefts in Australia stem from house break-ins, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC).

“We are seeing a surge in break-ins into houses to steal car keys,” Executive Director Ray Carroll told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“They are targeting mainly residential streets because of cars’ built-in security. They can find the keys in the owners’ residences.”

Most cars are now equipped with security features that can only be unlocked with the keys.

Data collected by the NMVTRC shows 65% of passenger and light commercial vehicles stolen in WA and 42% in NSW are taken from a home, usually from 10pm-6am.

“The majority of residential streets do not have CCTV cameras and are softer targets than businesses for thieves,” Mr Carroll said.

“Car security begins at home and that is the core message in our public campaign.”