Short-term motor vehicle thefts fell 9% in the three months to March 31 compared with the December quarter, according to national figures.

The number of cars and light trucks stolen fell 10%, while motorcycle theft dropped just 1%, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

NSW experienced the biggest numerical drop in car and light truck thefts, down 1565 (13%), followed by SA with a 432 (14%) decrease.

Recent rises in Queensland and WA continued, with thefts increasing 11% (811 incidents) and 6% (227) respectively.

Profit-driven vehicle thefts also fell in the quarter, down 4% nationally on the previous period.

Car and light trucks thefts dropped 4%, while motorcycle theft fell 6%.

Profit-motivated thefts in NSW decreased 12% (147 incidents), while Victoria fell 11% (73).

WA and SA reported decreases of 3% (seven and five thefts respectively).