news, crime

More late 1990s Nissan Pulsars were stolen in Canberra last year than any other model of car, according to new figures. Data from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council revealed 1174 cars were stolen in the capital during 2017, which was an increase of 42 per cent compared to 2016. Nationally the theft rate fell by 7 per cent, with more than 42,000 cars stolen during the same time period. Nissan Pulsars made between 1995 and 2000 had the most thefts, with 68 models taken in the 12-month period, followed by Ford Falcons made between 2002 and 2005, Nissan Pulsars made between 1991 and 1995, and 2006 to 2013 Holden Commodores. Holden Astras made between 1999 and 2005 rounded out the top five. The council data shows more than $10 million worth of cars were stolen on Canberra streets during 2017. More than half of all thefts - 58 per cent - were cars valued at $5000 or less, while 24 cars worth more than $50,000 were stolen. Vehicles valued between $10,000 and $20,000 made up 23 per cent of the total value of stolen cars last year, the largest percentage of car values. Thefts of motorcycles and other motor vehicles also increased during 2017. Motorcycle thefts rose by 28 per cent in 2017, with 125 stolen, while 38 other motor vehicles such as trucks were stolen, rising by 38 per cent. The ACT had the third-lowest number of car thefts out of Australian states and territories, only just ahead of Tasmania with 1111 car thefts and the NT with 837 for the year. Victoria had the most car thefts with more than 12,768, followed by NSW with just more than 10,000, Queensland at 9,029, WA with 5294 and SA with 2342. However, data analysis from comparison website finder.com.au also revealed the ACT had one of the highest rates of car thefts by population. There were 286 car thefts per 100,000 residents during 2017 in the ACT, the second-highest rate in the country, only behind the NT with 340 thefts per 100,000 residents. The ACT rate is more than double that of NSW, with 128 thefts per 100,000 people and also well above the national average of 173 car thefts per 100,000. Finder's insurance spokeswoman Bessie Hassan said analysis showed vehicle thefts have been on the rise in Canberra. "The number of cars stolen in the ACT has doubled in just four years, and interestingly, the vast majority of cars stolen are below $20,000 in value," she said. The figures come as overall crime rates across the capital dropped during the first quarter of 2018, according to police data, with a 17 per cent fall compared to the previous quarter. However, robbery offences was one of two categories that recorded an increase in the same time period, rising by 44 per cent. An ACT Policing spokeswoman said officers were addressing the increase in car thefts over the past year. "The theft of motor vehicles can be attributed to a range of factors, including illicit drug use," the spokeswoman said. "Stolen motor vehicles are traditionally used by offenders to commit further offences such as burglaries and petrol drive-offs." The spokeswoman said a targeting team had been established by ACT police in response to the theft increase. "As a result of this team, 40 individuals have been arrested and remanded, 268 charges laid, nine search warrants executed and over $1.4 million in stolen vehicles and property recovered," she said.

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