Victorian car owners are being increasingly targeted by thieves and vandals, according to figures released by the Crime Statistics Agency and RACV Insurance. Victoria Police recorded 18,853 vehicle thefts in 2015, an increase of 13.5 per cent compared to the previous year.[1] During the same period RACV members made insurance claims worth more than $12 million for stolen cars. Thefts from motor vehicles also increased to more than 150 a day on average, with Victoria Police saying that 89 per cent of those offences were not solved.[2] RACV Acting General Manager Insurance Mark Geraghty said the data highlighted the need for motorists to take steps to protect their cars against crime. “Don’t underestimate a thief’s determination. More than five per cent of RACV vehicle theft claims last year involved the thief stealing car keys from inside a house before taking the vehicle. Don’t leave your car keys in plain view – even inside your own home,” Mr Geraghty said.