By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
THE City of Casey loses more cars to thieves than most of the state.
Statistics from RACV insurance claims show a high rate of Nissans, Subarus and Toyotas targeted by crooks while Casey residents made 69 claims last year to the RACV.
Greater Geelong topped the list for the most RACV car theft claims in 2015 with 88, Brimbank came in at number two with 76 claims and Casey ranked above Greater Dandenong who had just 45 claims.
Victoria Police recorded 18,853 car thefts last year, an increase of 13.5 per cent compared to 2014.
During the same period, RACV members made insurance claims worth more than $12 million for stolen cars.
Shadow Minister for Police, Community Safety and Corrections Edward O’Donohue has labelled the youth crime wave a “crime crisis”.
“The time for talk is over. The time for action from Daniel Andrews to address this crime crisis is now,” Mr O’Donohue said.
Thefts from motor vehicles also increased on average to more than 150 a day, many went unresolved.
RACV acting general manager Insurance Mark Geraghty said the data highlighted the need for motorists to ramp up car safety.
“Don’t underestimate a thief’s determination,” Mr Geraghty said.
“More than five per cent of RACV vehicle theft claims last year involved the thief stealing car keys from inside a house before taking the vehicle. Don’t leave your car keys in plain view – even inside your own home.”
Casey also ranked number three in the state for malicious damage claims- Casey RACV members made 43 claims last year.
Last year some of the 10 most damaged car models included the Mazda CX-7, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf and Holden Cruze.
Mr Geraghty said most malicious damage resulted from vandals breaking into vehicles, smashing windows, keying or scratching and denting bonnets and car roofs.
“In some instances, keys were left in the ignition or elsewhere in a car in a locked garage, which makes it easy for a thief who has broken into the garage,” he said.
The cost of vehicle damage caused by vandals and thieves also rose in 2015. The average claim increased to above $3000 and more than $3 million was paid to cover claims from RACV members.
The car most frequently targeted by vandals was the Mazda CX-7.
“Many people wrongly assume night is the danger time for damage to be inflicted and for cars to be stolen, but RACV claims data shows that car thieves are most active between 6am and midday and vehicle vandals are mostly active during daylight,” he said.
Mr Geraghty said that with the average car theft claim costing more than $12,000 and malicious damage costs escalating, motorists should ensure they have the right insurance cover to avoid costs.
