Queensland’s Car Immobiliser Trial: Significant Reduction in Theft Rates and the Push for Statewide Expansion

Recent crime data indicates a significant reduction in car theft rates across the three cities participating in the Queensland Government’s car immobiliser trial—Townsville, Cairns, and Mount Isa. This positive trend should prompt an expedited expansion of the program statewide.

During a recent meeting with North Queensland car immobiliser installers in Townsville, LC Distributors Principal Lisa Cohen emphasized that Queensland is leading the nation in the fight against car theft through this trial. She urged the government to extend the program across the state.

The Queensland Government has allocated $10 million for the initiative, providing $20,500 vouchers for installing immobilisers in Townsville, Cairns, and Mount Isa. These immobilisers prevent unauthorized individuals from starting a vehicle, even if they possess the keys or key fob. Vouchers are available for redemption until September 30, 2024.

Installers report that car owners feel significantly more secure once the immobiliser is installed. This ensures their vehicles remain safe in driveways and garages rather than being vulnerable to theft. This initiative not only protects individual vehicles but also contributes to the overall safety of our communities.

See Also Protecting Fleet Management: Preventing Vehicle Theft with CODE SAFE Solutions

Statistics Overview

Minister, analysis of QPS data shows there has been a reduction in reported unlawful use of motor vehicles in the 12 months since the trial was launched in August last year, and the previous 12 months.

Last 12 months (August 5, 2023, to August 4, 2024)

• Townsville: 1448 incidents (Rate of offences per day: 3.95)
• Cairns: 782 incidents (Rate of offences per day: 2.13)
• Mount Isa: 191 incidents (Rate of offences per day: 0.52)

Previous 12 months (August 5, 2022, to August 4, 2023)

• Townsville: 1522 incidents (Rate of offences per day: 4.16)
• Cairns: 1145 incidents (Rate of offences per day: 3.13)
• Mount Isa: 196 incidents (Rate of offences per day: 0.53)

Reduction in Car Thefts (2023-24)

• Townsville: 74
• Cairns: 363
• Mount Isa: 5

Ms. Cohen, CEO of LC Distributors | CODE SAFE Advanced Security Systems, said that through a statewide program, there was an opportunity to work with insurance companies to encourage them to reduce premiums for car owners who have installed a secondary immobiliser because of their cars’ extra protection. This provides:

• Extra vehicle security.
• Protecting the insurance companies from theft claims and, more importantly,
• Cost-of-living relief.

See Also Stopping Car Theft in Australia: The Power of CODE SAFE Immobilisers

Queensland is in caretaker mode due to the looming election, and the situation relies heavily on the next few weeks, as the immobiliser trial ends on September 30, 2024. After this date, the trial will be evaluated, and we all await the results released by the Road Policing and Regional Support Command Office based in Queensland.

As we wait to see what the election results will bring to the table, it’s paramount that either government continue to advocate for secondary immobilisers as a way to reduce car thefts and bring law and order to the state of Queensland to ensure all vehicle owners have the opportunity to install a CODE SAFE car immobiliser to not only reduce the risk of their car being stolen but more importantly to help safeguard communities struggling with the impact of increased youth crime.

Victorian police are monitoring the trial evaluation results closely to see if they can bring a trial to Victoria to help reduce the impact of increased youth crime and vehicle theft, which has risen to alarming numbers concerning all residents.

CODE SAFE immobilisers are a crime prevention tool, and they have become recognized as one of the most affordable and reliable ways to protect your car or commercial fleet. Why be the next victim of theft? Install a CODE SAFE today and give yourself peace of mind. Please remember to return your receipt to your insurance company and ask for a rebate on your premium for adding another layer of vehicle security.