18,000 Victorian cars stolen in 2014

Almost 2000 more cars were stolen in Victoria last year than in 2013 - and young hoons chasing joy rides were the most prolific thieves.

More than 18,000 cars were reported stolen in 2014, equating to less than 0.5 per cent of the 4.5 million cars registered, the latest crime statistics say.

Almost four in 10 thieves were aged 15-19, and 83 per cent were male. Police said it was worrying that a growing number of youths inexperienced behind the wheel, or too young to hold full licences, were stealing cars in search of a thrill.

"(Stolen cars) are mostly used to commit offences of joy-riding and other dangerous driving," Victoria Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Jack Blayney said.

"There are an increasing number of young offenders stealing vehicles. Taking cars for joy rides (places) themselves, the community and police in severe danger." The Crime Statistics Agency's report, released last week, also revealed that car thefts had risen 11.5 per cent from 2013, to 16,686. That figure had jumped 16.5 per cent compared with five years ago.

Mr Blayney said three in four stolen cars were recovered within a year. But more than 70 per cent of last year's thefts remained unsolved as of January 18, and there were arrests in just 16.5 per cent of cases.

More Holdens were stolen than any other make of car, at almost 2800. Nissans (2634), Toyotas (2337) and Fords (2140) were also favoured.

The Hume area recorded the most vehicle thefts with 1064, while Darebin's 951 thefts gave it the highest rate of theft for its population.

University student Kate knows the sinking feeling of having a car stolen all too well.

The 21-year-old, who works part-time in retail, had just finished a nine-hour shift at Chadstone shopping centre about a month ago when she returned to find her vehicle gone.

The older-model Nissan Pulsar was later found dumped at Ringwood, more than 20km away - no longer in working order and with bald tyres.

Kate has since spent thousands of dollars for repairs, and on a replacement car while it was fixed, as well as excesses on her car insurance.

The theft occurred as she was preparing to resume her university studies, forcing her to hitch lifts from her family and friends.

"It's not really the nicest thing to come back to," Kate said. "There is the financial burden, of course, and then there is also just the complete inconvenience of it." 

CAR THEFTS IN 2014

16,686 offences recorded by Victoria Police Up 11.5% on 2013
18,097 cars reported stolen
11,090 stolen cars recovered
12,119 thefts were unsolved Holdens the most commonly stolen make (2791)
Hume council area recorded the highest number of vehicle thefts (1064)
August had the most car thefts (1512)
2751 thefts resulted in arrest
361 thefts resulted in summons
83% of offenders were male
39% of offenders were aged 15-19
Source: Crime Statistics Agency