New online tool helps public identify stolen vehicles

VICTORIANS can now check whether a suspicious vehicle has been reported stolen through a new online tool launched by Victoria Police.

Available on the Victoria Police website, the tool allows users to enter a vehicle’s registration, make and model to determine whether it is listed as stolen. They can then report the vehicle’s location directly to police.

The information is drawn from Victoria Police’s Law Enforcement Assistance Program, VicRoads and the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System. It is updated whenever a stolen vehicle is added to the databases, while recovered vehicles are removed.

Around 8000 people used the tool during its initial soft launch.

Vehicle Crime Squad Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald said the service would help police recover stolen vehicles sooner.

“This new tool lets people check if a car is stolen and report its location to police,” Det Insp Macdonald said.

“All people have to do is enter the registration, make and model of the suspect vehicle.”

Police recovered around 80 per cent of vehicles stolen in Victoria during the past year, but new Crime Statistics Agency figures show residential streets remain a major target.

Of the 30,985 vehicles stolen in the year to March, 10,151 were parked on streets. This was more than double the 5031 stolen from houses and more than triple the 3148 taken from single-level car parks.

Police intelligence indicates many stolen vehicles are popular makes and models fitted with push-button ignitions. Thieves are increasingly using key-mimicking and cloning technology to override vehicle security systems.

Det Insp Macdonald said car theft had a significant effect on victims.

“Car theft isn’t just an inconvenience. It impacts someone’s sense of safety,” she said.

Police are urging motorists to install anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks and on-board diagnostic port locks, which prevent offenders from connecting reprogramming equipment to vehicles.

Drivers should park off the street or inside a garage wherever possible, always lock their vehicle and never leave it running unattended.

The stolen vehicle check is available at police.vic.gov.au/stolen-vehicle-check-victoria.

Anyone who suspects a vehicle is stolen or is unsure whether it has been stolen or abandoned should contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. Phone Triple Zero (000) when immediate police assistance is required.