Theft from motor vehicles

Posted on 28/04/2025

 

Theft from motor vehicles continues to be one of the most common crimes experienced by everyday South Australians. Whether it’s a smashed window, a stolen handbag or missing tradie tools, these are often crimes of opportunity – quick, deliberate and preventable.

But you can help reduce these offences by taking simple steps to protect your property and by reporting any suspicious behaviour or information about those responsible.

What are thieves looking for?

Opportunistic thieves often scan vehicles for anything that can be quickly grabbed and easily sold. The most commonly stolen items include:

• Wallets and purses – often containing cash, credit cards and identity documents
• Mobile phones, tablets and other electronics – easy to spot and resell
• Loose change and cash – even small amounts can be a target
• Backpacks, handbags and shopping bags – regardless of contents
• Sunglasses, headphones and other personal accessories
• Work tools and equipment – especially from tradie utes and vans
• Laptops and briefcases – particularly targeted in business districts
• Garage remotes and house keys – can lead to further property crime
• Vehicle registration papers and IDs – used for identity theft or cloning vehicles

Even if items appear low in value, remember that thieves don’t discriminate. If it’s visible, it’s vulnerable.

How you can reduce the risk

Most thefts from cars happen when valuables are left in plain view or when vehicles are left unsecured. Here’s how to protect your property:

At all times:

• Always lock your car, even when parked in your driveway or garage
• Close all windows and sunroofs – even a small gap can invite entry
• Remove any valuables from the vehicle – or lock them in the boot out of sight if you have no other option
• Keep your keys with you – never leave them in or near the vehicle

When parking:

• Choose well-lit, busy areas when parking at night or in isolated spots
• Use secure car parks and avoid leaving your car in poorly lit side streets
• Angle park rear-in where possible to make it harder for thieves to open tailgates or utes

For tradies and business owners:

• Install lockable toolboxes and storage cages
• Mark and register tools and equipment with serial numbers or identifying features
• Remove tools overnight, especially if your vehicle is parked on the street

At home:

• Lock gates and garages, and consider motion-sensor lighting
• Remove garage remotes from your car – if a thief gets the remote and your registration, your home is at risk too
• Install CCTV or dashcams where practical – footage can help identify offenders

If you know something then say something. Anonymously.

If you have information about people involved in breaking into cars, handling stolen goods, or selling items online, we want to hear from you. Even small details can help police to identify those responsible, make arrests and recover stolen property.

You can report what you know without needing to reveal who you are.

• Call Crime Stoppers SA on 1800 333 000
• Make a report online at crimestopperssa.com.au

All reports are anonymous and secure. We don’t trace your call or IP address, and you don’t have to leave your name.

Don’t forget – in a life-threatening emergency dial 000.

If you see a crime happening then call for police assistance on 131 444.

Think you’ve seen something?

The types of suspicious behaviour we want you to share with us includes:

• People looking into car windows or trying door handles
• Vehicles cruising slowly through streets or car parks, especially at night
• Individuals loitering near parked cars with no clear reason
• Someone suddenly in possession of items like electronics, tools or accessories with questionable origin
• Stolen goods being sold via online marketplaces, social media or at pawn shops

If it doesn’t feel right – trust your gut and make a report. You could be stopping a crime spree or helping reunite someone with their stolen property.

Help us keep the community safe

By working together, we can reduce theft from motor vehicles and make our streets and suburbs safer for everyone. Remember: Lock it. Hide it. Report it.

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