With a ‘new wave’ of car crime hitting the streets of Melbourne, Drive finds out which areas are being targeted more than others.
A new trend of parts being stolen from cars and sold for profit is on the rise across Melbourne.
In recent weeks, the problem has come to the fore due to a high-profile case involving former AFL star Jimmy Bartel, but also voices from across the industry raising concerns about the role repairable write-off laws have to play.
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Now Drive has seen data that shows the parts of the city where the car parts theft problem is the worst.
Here’s what we found.
What car part gets stolen the most?
Hot ticket items right now include wheels, panels and grilles, though Drive has also heard of doors being taken too, as well as headlights and catalytic converters.
Although, of course, almost anything is up for grabs, and theft of registration plates is also a big issue in Victoria.
According to Victoria Police, more than a third of ‘theft from motor vehicle’ offences relate to number plates being stolen, with power tools the second most-targeted item.
According to the RACV, 18,481 number plates were stolen in the state from March 2023 to March 2024 – a 23 per cent increase on the previous year, as reported by Drive in July.
Which suburbs in Victoria are involved in car theft?
According to data provided to Drive by the Crime Statistics Agency, between October 2023 and September 2024, there were a total of 219 panels, wheels and grilles stolen across Melbourne.
That figure is almost 100 more than the year before when 131 parts were stolen, and the highest number in more than five years. In 2019, there were 178 taken.
The worst-affected local government areas for car parts theft are Wyndham in Melbourne’s south-west, followed by Greater Dandenong in the south-east and the City of Melbourne itself.
In the 12-month period, 17 parts were taken off cars in Wyndham – up from eight the year prior and three five years ago. Meanwhile, in Greater Dandenong, there were 16, up from eight in 2022–23 and seven in 2019.
| Local government area | October 2019 – September 2020 | October 2020 – September 2021 | October 2021 – September 2022 | October 2022 – September 2023 | October 2023 – September 2024 |
| Wyndham | 3 | 8 | 15 | 8 | 17 |
| Greater Dandenong | 7 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 16 |
| Melbourne | 3 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 15 |
| Hume | 9 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 14 |
| Casey | 15 | 12 | 11 | 16 | 13 |
“The theft of car parts is up across Melbourne, which is disappointing,” said Mayor of Greater Dandenong City Council, Councillor Jim Memeti.
“Always lock your car and try to park in a secure, well-lit area.”
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In the City of Melbourne during the same periods, there were 15 parts removed, an increase from six the year before and three in the five years prior.
However, the areas with the greatest growth in thefts were Kingston in Melbourne’s south-east, which includes affluent seaside suburbs, and Whitehorse in the inner-east.
Kingston’s car parts theft rates rose from just two in 2022–23 to 11 last year, while Whitehorse’s increased from three to 11.
What stops thieves from stealing cars?
There are a lot of ways you can better protect your car and its parts from being stolen. Although, of course, not all of them are guaranteed to stop a determined thief.
According to scrap car dealers A&L Vehicle Recycling, parking off the street in a locked garage is the best way to protect your vehicle, but if that’s not possible, on your driveway, if you have one, is the next best thing.
However, it’s becoming increasingly common for thieves to steal from cars even when they’re on your driveway, so A&L also suggests installing a sensor light and CCTV as a deterrent.
If all of that is not possible, then parking in a well-lit area on the street is a good idea.
In addition, Victoria Police advises people to remove all valuable items and make sure to lock all the doors and close the windows – as 83 per cent of all thefts from cars show no signs of forced entry.
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“The vast majority of all thefts from cars showed no signs of forced entry, which is why police urge residents to take steps to avoid items being stolen from your car,” a spokesperson told Drive.
“Local police in all areas regularly engage with their community about these issues and provide advice on ways they can secure their home and vehicles.
“We recommend locking your car and parking in a secure, well-lit area. If possible, park off-street and consider installing a sensor light at your home.”
If you are the victim of theft, you can report it on the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
The post The Melbourne areas worst hit by car parts theft appeared first on Drive.
