Older Nissan Pulsars, Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons were the three most commonly stolen car models stolen in Victoria last year, according to new statistics.

Victoria was also named as the car theft capital of Australia for 2017 in findings released by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council today that showed that more than 15,000 vehicles were stolen there last year.

Of the 15,332 stolen vehicles, 477 were Nissan Pulsar N15 models, 262 were VE Holden Commodores, 170 VX Holden Commodores, 167 VT Holden Commodores and 166 BA Ford Falcons.

Victoria has been named as the car theft capital of Australia for 2017 in new statistics (National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council) (National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council )

That total figure also represents over a third of all car thefts nationally last year, despite Victoria’s state figure dropping by nearly a quarter according to the findings.

The number also eclipsed the number of thefts recorded in New South Wales – which only saw 12,216 motor vehicles thefts last year despite around two million more people living there.

Of the 12,768 passenger or light-commercial vehicles (PLC) that were stolen in Victoria – which exclude motorbikes and heavier vehicles such as trucks – the Council said the total state cost of the robberies was more than an estimated $151,000.

Victorian figures eclipsed New South Wales' vehicle theft numbers, despite two million more people living there (National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council). (National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council )

In total, the average cost of a stolen car state-wise amounted to $11,000 - meaning $450,000 worth of vehicles were being stolen each day in 2017.

The Council's report also found that the Hume Local Government Area recorded the highest number of vehicle thefts with 837 last year, followed by Greater Geelong which saw 740 vehicles stolen.

The high figures have been attributed to a small group of repeat offenders who are believed to be behind the thefts.

Nissan Pulsars were recorded as the most commonly stolen model of car in Victoria last year (AAP). (AAP)

The statistics come as the Victorian police minister yesterday released figures to show that the state has recorded its biggest drop in crime in a decade.

The latest crime numbers showed that while overall crime has reduced around Victoria, reports of sex offences have grown – the only category of crime to record an increase.