Reduction in car thefts follows National trend

City of Sydney residents and visitors can feel a little safer about the security of their parked cars.

Figures released by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council reveal that 619 cars were stolen in the Local Government Area in 2009, 253 less than in 2008.

According to Executive Director Ray Carroll the 29 percent decline was “consistent with nation-wide reductions that has seen motor vehicle theft fall by over 50 per cent in Australia since 2001.”

He warned however that the number of thefts from private residences across Australia had increased.

Of the 619 vehicles stolen in the City of Sydney in 2009, only 139 were not recovered.

Surry Hills retained the unfortunate crown of having the most car thefts, even though the total for the suburb more than halved to 66.

Sydney City came in second with 61 thefts, while Darlinghurst was third with 60 thefts, 23 less than in 2008.

Glebe maintained fourth spot with 57 car thefts.

Toyota Corollas built between 2005 and 2008 unseated Holden Commodores as the most stolen vehicle.