Modern vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), are generally harder to steal due to multiple layers of security, with some EVs adding digital features like external camera monitoring (e.g., Tesla's Sentry Mode).
Rising Theft, Shifting Targets
Crime Statistics Agency data for Victoria shows motor vehicle theft rose to 32,013 incidents in the year ending December 2025, up from 28,897 the previous year.
EVs remain a low target: Tesla was the only EV-only brand in the data, with four vehicles stolen (two Model 3s, two Model Ss). No Model X or Model Y thefts were reported.
Other EV brands (Polestar, BYD, Leapmotor, Zeekr, GWM) did not appear in stolen vehicle records.
Expert Warning
RACV Head of Motor Insurance and Roadside Products Kirsty Hayes stated that while newer cars and EVs have advanced security, opportunistic theft can still occur. She recommended keeping keys out of sight and parking in secure locations.