Car crime has skyrocketed in Victoria, with theft claims soaring 59 per cent in the past year, new data released today shows.

According to a report from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), over 12,000 vehicles were stolen statewide, leading to insurer losses over $200 million, predominantly in Melbourne.

In Australia, motor theft claims increased by 11 percent, reaching 30,000, with claim costs rising 20 percent to $466 million when compared to the prior year.

Queensland recorded its largest drop in car thefts in more than a decade.

The state’s total claims count dropped by 11 per cent to 6000, while incurred losses were down 10 per cent from the previous 12-months.

Western Australia and South Australia both recorded a 10 per cent reduction in claims and New South Wales was down 3 per cent.

The ICA data indicates that the rise in vehicle thefts in Victoria was chiefly concentrated in metropolitan areas like Melbourne, with urban thefts accounting for a majority of claims, resulting in $183 million in insured losses.

Experts are warning thieves are increasingly using sophisticated technology to steal vehicles across Australia.

“Motor theft claims have been notably rising over the last decade, and though they represent a small segment of total motor claims, it is increasingly worrisome,” stated ICA chief executive Andrew Hall.

“Car theft impacts everyone, resulting in higher policing expenses, court costs, and eventually insurance rates. We cannot allow this extent of car crime to become normal in Australia.”