The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council has released statistics (see www.car safe.com.au) indicating motor vehicle theft is on the rise in Australia.
In NSW, 9628 cars and 636 motorbikes were stolen in 2013. This represents an overall reduction when compared to the previous 12 months but an increase on the previous quarter.
Section 154 of the crimes act 1900 (www.austlii.edu.au) explicitly makes it an offence to steal a motor vehicle as distinct from any other property. The maximum penalty is 10 years imprisonment. If the theft involves an assault in the course of the theft and there are aggravating circumstances (i.e. possession of a weapon or in company with others), then the maximum penalty increases to 14 years imprisonment.
Keep your car locked.