Qld motor vehicle theft on the rise | Noosa Insurance | Insurance News for Noosa, Australia

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THERE are a few simple things you can do to reach a balance between the type of car insurance you need, and the amount of money you pay for your premium.

OVER the past five years, more than 90,000 motor vehicles were reported stolen in the Sunshine state. One in every 70 Australian households has suffered from vehicle theft in the past 12 months.

Apart from the inconvenience of having your car stolen, these vehicles are sometimes used to commit more serious crimes or are involved in traffic accidents.

By adopting some simple anti-theft procedures, you can help lower the incidence of car theft and reduce the cost and trauma suffered by the entire community. You may also avoid the trauma of losing the valuables that you often keep in your car.

Anti-theft procedures are targeted at the two types of motor vehicle thief: the opportunist and the professional.

The opportunist wants your car for transport. Here are some ways to reduce the opportunity for them to steal your car:

-    Always lock doors and close windows when your car is unattended
-    Install an anti-theft device
-    Park off the street, preferably in a yard, garage or staffed parking centre
-    If parking on the street, choose a well-lit area
-    Keep valuables out of sight or remove them altogether
-    Secure your key when not in use

The professional thief wants your car for profit, be it for resale, with an altered vehicle identification number (VIN), or for parts. Here are strategies to deter them:

-    Have the VIN professionally etched onto major glass components of the vehicle (it is the only permanent identifier)
-    Install an effective anti-theft device such as a fuel/ignition cut-out switch, an ignition shield, a visible locking device, a battery isolator and/or a car alarm (installing some of these devices may also enable you to reduce your car insurance premium).

If you believe you have witnessed a car theft in progress, or know where stolen vehicles are being housed, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Suncorp Insurance protects your property and your lifestyle. For more information, visit www.suncorp.com.au/musthave or call Suncorp on 13 11 55 and get the must-have Queensland insurance.

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