Northcote and Thornbury have hit the top 20 suburbs in Melbourne for car theft.  In the 12 months to April 2014, 192 vehicles were stolen with 50 still missing.

According to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, most of the cars stolen were pre-2001 vehicles and probably didn’t have immobilisers which are now standard in new cars. Car models targetted are Nissan Pulsar N15s and Holden Commodore VT and VE models.

But even though immobilisers prevent car theft without a key, thieves are now starting to break into houses to steal car keys.

The advice is if you are not home but your vehicle is, make sure you don’t leave your car keys or spares lying around. Take your car keys with you!