Car thefts across the nation dropped for the September quarter, with the NT and ACT the only exceptions, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

While theft numbers fell by almost 1200 across Australia during the quarter, thefts across the ACT and the Northern Territory (NT) reported increases of thefts of 44%.

But the council says the small populations in the territories result in “wide statistical variances from a relatively small number of thefts”.

The largest percentage reductions were recorded in Tasmania (down 16%), SA (down 14%) and NSW (down 8%). Queensland was down 5% and Victoria 1%.

The average claim cost for vehicles stolen during the period was $10,590, and the total claims cost $75.4 million.