Annual vehicle thefts have reduced for the fourth year in a row. Last year thefts were down 8% to 78,604 vehicles across the country.

The overall Australia-wide reduction is 6662 fewer cars stolen for the year, saving the broader community about $40 million at a cost of $6000 per theft.

The impact of coordinated reform was first reflected in 2001 and since then theft rates have dropped to 5.4 per 1000 registrations, from the 2001 rate of 10.6.

NSW experienced a 12% drop, while SA fell by 11% and Queensland and WA both reduced their theft numbers by 8%. Victoria’s theft numbers fell just 5%.

And  most stolen cars – 74% last year – do eventually return home. About 20,000 vehicles were not recovered. This has been a consistent level for the past few years.

The total car theft claims made to insurers last year was $264 million, a rise of less than 2%. The average cost to insurers to finalise theft claims was $9220 and the average agreed value was $11,650.