Car theft never quite leaves the headlines in New South Wales, but the picture is more nuanced than the raw numbers suggest. Here's what the data shows, which vehicles are being targeted, and what you can do about it.
How much car theft happens in NSW?
Around 14,000–15,000 vehicles have been reported stolen in NSW in recent years, based on figures compiled by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Insurance industry data for 2025 showed thefts easing slightly — down about 1.6 per cent year on year — a much flatter trend than the double-digit falls in Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, but nothing like the surge across the border in Victoria.
One thing sets NSW apart: theft isn't just a Sydney problem. Recent insurance claims data shows regional NSW recording more theft claims than the metropolitan area — the opposite of the metro-heavy pattern in Victoria, SA and WA. If you're in Newcastle, Wollongong, the Central Coast or a regional centre, don't assume distance from the city means low risk.
What thieves target
Toyota is the most-stolen brand in NSW by a clear margin, followed by Holden, Ford and Mazda. The pattern is consistent with the national one:
- Utes and 4WDs — HiLux and LandCruiser are prized for resale value and parts, and harder to recover once moved.
- Older Commodores — pre-modern-security Holdens remain easy, high-volume targets.
- Common commuters — Corollas, Camrys and similar models are stolen simply because there are so many of them on the road.
How cars are being stolen
Nationally, the ABS estimates around six in ten vehicle thefts happen at a home — usually with the car's own keys, taken during a break-in or from an unlocked house. Electronic theft is the growth area: key-cloning and relay devices let offenders start keyless cars without ever touching your keys. Number plate theft is also common, with plates reused on other stolen vehicles or in fuel drive-offs.
Protecting your car
- Keep keys (and spares) away from the front door, and store keyless fobs in a Faraday pouch.
- Park off-street or in a garage where possible; choose well-lit areas otherwise.
- Fit an OBD port lock if you own a commonly targeted keyless model; a steering lock still deters opportunists on older cars.
- Use one-way anti-theft screws on your number plates.
- Consider a GPS tracker — recovery is far more likely when police can locate the vehicle quickly.
- Good home security is car security: most thefts start at the house.
Buying a used car? Do these checks first
- Run a PPSR check (it costs a couple of dollars) to confirm the car isn't recorded as stolen or written off and has no money owing on it.
- Match the VIN on the car against the registration papers, and the seller's ID against the registered operator.
- Be wary of prices well under market — stolen and rebirthed cars are usually priced to move fast.
If your car is stolen
Call 000 if the theft is happening now, or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 to report it. Have your plate, VIN and registration details ready, then notify your insurer and watch for toll or fine activity — stolen cars rack up both quickly.
Figures reflect reporting available in early 2026. For current suburb-level numbers, BOCSAR's online tools are the best source.