A new RACQ insurance data has revealed an increasing number of cars getting stolen in driveways, garages, or nearby streets, prompting the insurer to warn Queensland motorists to better protect their cars at home.

The RACQ claims data, from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018, showed that more than 55% of all car thefts occurred at the owner’s home address or immediate vicinity. The rest of car theft claims received by the insurer showed that 39% of vehicles had been stolen in other locations and 6% in retail car parks.  

“In recent years we’ve seen an increase in the number of car thefts occurring from homes, or from the street in front,” said Kirsty Clinton, RACQ spokesperson. “We’re concerned people are becoming complacent with car security at home and this has led to the increase. Even in your driveway you should lock your car, keep the windows up, and hide valuables from view, the same as you would if you were parked anywhere else.”

Clinton cited some simple steps your clients can take to reduce the risk of getting their car stolen.

“Don’t leave keys hanging beside the front door, or in a bowl under an open window,” she said. “The best place for them is near you or hidden somewhere out of sight. We’ve heard too many reports recently of cars being stolen because the home was broken into or entered via an unlocked door or window, and the keys were simply picked up and the car driven away.”