Car thefts have escalated across Queensland’s coastal regions, prompting RACQ to urge vehicle owners to be more vigilant about security.
The insurer reported 1,450 car theft claims during the 2023-24 financial year, with the total cost of resolved claims exceeding $39 million.
The Sunshine Coast saw the most dramatic rise in theft claims, with a 160% increase compared to the previous year.
The Gold Coast followed closely, with a 62% rise in claims, making it the area with the highest number of theft reports, totalling 195.
Trent Sayers, chief executive of RACQ Insurance, highlighted the unexpected surge in thefts in regions that are generally perceived as safe.
“Even though many of us enjoy our coastal regions for a slower-paced lifestyle, it’s important for Queenslanders to be aware that car theft can happen anywhere,” he said.
RACQ’s data indicated that both residential and tourist-heavy areas on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts have been targeted.
“It’s troubling to see such large spikes in the number of claims for these areas, so we are urging Queenslanders to remain vigilant,” Sayers said.
Townsville, Brisbane’s inner city, and Brisbane’s southern suburbs reported the highest frequency of car theft claims in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Breakdown of car theft claims in Queensland in the 2023-24 fiscal year:
According to RACQ’s recent survey, concerns about car theft have grown significantly among South East Queensland (SEQ) residents, with 54.2% now expressing high levels of concern, up from 38.1% the previous year.
To mitigate the risk, Sayers advised treating car keys with the same caution as cash, noting that thefts often occur when keys are left in vehicles or in easy-to-find spots at home.
“We continue to see car thefts occurring simply because people leave their keys in the car, so never leave your keys unattended in your vehicle or store spare keys inside,” he said.
RACQ’s data also revealed that thefts are most likely to happen on weekdays between 11pm and 4am.
Sayers recommended that vehicle owners park in secure locations when possible, such as locked garages or well-lit areas, and avoid leaving valuables in sight.
For those who do experience a theft, Sayers advised quick action.
“If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having your car stolen, make sure you contact your local police immediately and then contact your insurer to check your cover and lodge a claim,” he said.
Alongside the rise in car thefts, RACQ reported a worrying increase in motorcycle fatalities.
Between January and April 2024, Queensland recorded 94 road deaths, with motorcyclists accounting for 31 of these, a 46.2% increase compared to the five-year average.
Joel Tucker, RACQ’s managing director of road safety and technical, highlighted that motorcyclists make up 33% of the road toll, despite representing only 4% of vehicles in Queensland.
“We estimate around 280,000 RACQ members ride motorcycles, and most would agree it’s a fun and cost-effective way to get around, but it’s a riskier mode of transport than a car,” he said.
Michael Edwards, an Australian Superbike Championship racer, echoed these concerns, warning against riding bikes that are too powerful for one’s experience level.
“We want to see more people out enjoying motorcycling but doing so safely. Make sure you get professionally fitted to a machine that is comfortable and suits your ability. Don’t buy a motorbike just because it looks cool or it’s bigger than your mate’s bike, because it won’t look cool if you come off,” he said.
