It’s Saturday night and it’s been one longer week of gathering deadlines and dealing with the staff. You saunter into the parking garage and look for your – it is not there. While having your car stolen is not the end of the world (although it may feel like it at the time), it is upsetting, time-consuming, expensive, and a complete harass.

Make an informed choice on your next vehicle buy by knowing which vehicles are most frequently stolen in your state. Some vehicles are just simple targets for criminals because they are admired and easy to sell off in the stolen car market.

1. Never leave your car unattended with the keys in the ignition.

2. Don’t leave car keys lying around on tables, desks or key hooks.

3. Never hide a second set of keys anywhere on your car; thieves know where to look.

4. If you have off-street parking, use it. Even better, park behind lockable gates or in a locked garage.

5. At night, park in a well lit area.

6. Use secure parking facilities where they are available.

7. In car parks where you must leave the keys, ask the operator how the keys will be secured.

8. When leaving your vehicle unattended, fully close the windows, lock all the doors and take the keys with you.

9. Never leave valuable items such as mobile phones, bags, CDs in sight in your unattended vehicle.

10. If you have a steering lock, use it. Better still, for maximum protection install an engine immobiliser that meets Australian Standards.