WHAT CAN MOTORISTS DO TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF THEIR VEHICLE BEING STOLEN?

Motorists can greatly reduce the chance of their vehicle being the stolen by always following some simple but secure practices. Searching this website is a great place to start.

If you are already a car owner, read our Car Safe Tips pamphlet and pass the information on to friends and family. If you are buying a car, our Buying a Used Vehicle pamphlet will provide you with tips to minimise the chance of buying a stolen vehicle.

Car Safe Tips: Don't get bitten by car theft
Buying a Used Vehicle:  Don't get trapped buying a stolen car

The "How vulnerable is my car to Theft?" search uses real theft incident data to calculate the risk of your vehicle being stolen, based on your car make and model, and your location. This information will help you make an informed decision on what security you need to keep your car safe from thieves.

The most effective security device that you can have is an engine immobiliser. An engine immobiliser interrupts the power supply to two or more systems required to start the engine. Immobilisers can be operated by remote transmitter or digitally coded 'plug', key or transponder tag. (Click here for more information about immobiliser devices.) Without the coding device the thief cannot simply start your car. A vehicle's keys should always be treated as if they are 'cash'. A simple rule is that if your car is at home, but you are not, make sure the keys are with you or at least away from the property.

When choosing an immobiliser make sure it complies with the Australian/New Zealand Standard for Vehicle Immobilisers (AS/NZS 4601:1999). This will ensure that the immobiliser is self-arming, cannot be easily overcome by thieves and will not affect the safe operation of your vehicle.

Immobilisers retail from around $160. Visit the Immobilise Now! page for details of the CAR-SAFE Immobiliser Scheme and find your nearest registered installer.