Meanwhile, the Immobilise Now! campaign has expanded to South Australia, where 20-year-old vehicles and older are the major target of thieves.

Chris Newland, ICA’s Manager in SA, said vehicles made in the 1980s and earlier account for more than 82% of thefts. The campaign by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council offers cheaper installation of vehicle immobilisers – a move the insurance industry says could save it $62.4 million a year.

Mr Newland said the average cost for a motor vehicle claim is now about $8200. “The introduction of the scheme into SA could save the local community hundreds of thousands of dollars each year,” he said.