Car theft in Australia is on the decline, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

In total, 60,223 cars and light commercial vehicles were stolen in the 12 months to September, almost half the number taken in the peak year of 2001 when nearly 139,000 vehicles of all types were stolen.

The council’s quarterly report “Theft Watch” shows 14,208 cars and light commercials were stolen during the third quarter of this year, down 11.1% on the corresponding period last year and 6.5% on the previous quarter.

Some 70.4% of vehicles were recovered. The 6129 claims cost an average of $9735, with a median claim figure of $5328.

Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons remain at the top of thieves’ wishlists.

Council Executive Director Ray Carroll told Sunrise Exchange News a number of factors have contributed to the marked drop in car theft, including improved police and registration initiatives and technology such as immobilisers.

Some 5520 cars and light commercial vehicles went missing in NSW while 3097 were stolen in Victoria.

Motorcycle theft was also down slightly, with 1702 going missing across Australia, while 795 vehicles classified as heavy, other, or unknown were taken.