New figures show Holden’s VT Commodore (1997-2000) tops the list on volume and total value for profit-motivated car thefts in Australia, but Toyota Landcruisers are also providing a popular high-yield alternative.

According to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC), 877 VT model Commodores worth $7.4 million were stolen and not recovered between 2007 and last year.

The Toyota Landcruiser 70 series was next highest in total value at $6.2 million, although the number of thefts was 268.

Council Executive Director Ray Carroll says the VT’s popularity is not surprising given the number on the roads and the market appeal of cars that age.

He says Landcruisers sell for good prices and the design they share with other four-wheel drives appeals to thieves.

“It’s very easy for crooks to buy another chassis from a rollover,” Mr Carroll told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “I have been told that in the space of an afternoon you can take the entire body, motor and drive train off and put on the other chassis, and the only real identifier being the vehicle identification number is stamped on to the chassis.”

He says anti-theft devices are making cars harder to steal but criminals are getting better at obtaining keys.