If your car is stolen in Australia, first confirm it hasn’t been towed, then report the theft to the police and notify your insurance company.
Use social media and online marketplaces to help locate your vehicle and take preventive measures for the future.
Discovering that your car has been stolen can be frustrating I must tell you because it was the case with me back in 2014.
But knowing the right steps to take can simplify the recovery process and potentially help you get your vehicle back.
In this guide, I will walk you through what you should do if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation from my personal experience.
Step 1: Confirm the Theft
First, double-check to make sure your car has indeed been stolen.
It might sound obvious, but sometimes vehicles are towed or moved without prior notice, especially if parked illegally or left in a no-standing zone.
Check with local parking authorities or the police to see if your car was towed. I also tried when this was the case with me.
Step 2: Report the Theft to the Police
Once you’ve confirmed that your car has been stolen, contact the police immediately. I remember when I first heard of my car being stolen I straightaway dialed a police call.
You’ll need to provide them with the following details:
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- Your car’s make, model, and year
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- Registration number
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- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
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- Any distinguishing features (scratches, decals, custom features
The police will issue you a report number. Keep this number handy as you’ll need it for insurance claims and for any updates on your case.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company
After filing a police report, the next step is to contact your insurance provider to report the theft.
This is a crucial step and I would say just inform them ASAP as your insurer will guide you through the claims process and what you can expect in terms of coverage.
Depending on your policy, you might be eligible for a rental car and reimbursement if the vehicle is not recovered.
Step 4: Take to Social Media
In today’s digital age, social media can be a powerful tool in locating stolen property. Share pictures and details of your stolen car on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Ask your friends to spread the word.
The more people on the lookout, the higher the chances of your car being spotted.
I got lucky because my social media post helped reach to a ton of people and one of them personally messaged me of seeing my car on the road, although that help didn’t came off.
Step 5: Keep an Eye on Online Marketplaces
Sometimes, stolen vehicles are quickly sold off in parts or as whole units on online marketplaces. Regularly check websites
like Gumtree, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace for any listings that might match your car.
If you spot your car online, notify the police immediately—do not attempt to recover it yourself.
Step 6: Consider Prevention for the Future
Once you’ve dealt with the immediate aftermath of car theft, it’s a good idea to think about preventive measures for the future.
Consider installing a vehicle tracking system, which can help locate your car if it’s ever stolen again. Additionally, parking in secure, well-lit areas and using steering locks can deter thieves.
Reflect on preventive measures such as vehicle tracking systems and secure parking.
A data study conducted by Savvy on Regional statistics reveals significant variances in theft rates:
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- Queensland reported the highest number in 2021 with over 11,000 incidents.
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- Northern Territory had the highest rate of car thefts per 1,000 registrations at 4.15.
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- New South Wales saw a decrease in car thefts, from 11,777 in 2019/2020 to 10,896 in 2020/2021.
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- Victoria: Car thefts decreased from 16,759 in 2019/2020 to 12,651 in 2020/2021.
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- Western Australia: Car thefts decreased from 6,845 in 2019/2020 to 5,635 in 2020/2021.
These statistics suggest targeted preventive measures depending on your location.
Step 7: Monitor Your Car’s Title
Monitor the status of your car’s title by checking with the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).
This can alert you to any attempts to re-register the car or apply for a new title, which is a common tactic among thieves looking to sell stolen vehicles.
Step 8: Stay Informed and Follow Up
Stay in touch with the police and your insurance company. Provide any additional information that may aid in the recovery of your car and check in regularly for any updates.
Persistence can play a crucial role in recovering your stolen vehicle.
Conclusion
Having your car stolen is undoubtedly stressful, but taking swift and informed action can significantly improve your chances of getting your car back and minimizing the inconvenience that has been my experience.
Remember, the key is to act quickly, stay informed, and use all available resources at your disposal.
While the situation is challenging, maintaining a sense of humor about the twists and turns of dealing with bureaucracy can help keep the stress levels down.
After all, as they say, “Every cloud has a silver lining,” and this might just be the push you needed to upgrade to that car you’ve been eyeing for a while!
Survey Insights reveal:
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- 44% of thefts involve forced entry via breaking a window or door.
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- Over 45% of victims did not file or had their insurance claim rejected.
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- Nearly 25% reported having belongings stolen from their vehicle.
Demographic Insights:
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- Men are more likely to have items stolen from their cars, potentially due to different habits in storing keys.
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- Young adults aged 18-24 report the least experience with car theft, which may influence preventive behaviors.
FAQ
How to Find Out if a Car Has Been Stolen?
To determine if a car has been stolen, you can use several resources. Start by checking the National Stolen Vehicle Database, or consult the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) to see if the car is listed.
Additionally, you can ask for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and contact local police to verify if it has been reported as stolen.
These steps will help you avoid buying or inadvertently being in possession of a stolen vehicle.
