Theft of motor vehicle

Taking a motor vehicle belonging to someone else without the owner’s consent or without lawful authority is illegal. A motor vehicle is legally defined as ‘a mechanically propelled vehicle made, intended or adapted for use on roads'.

If the suspect who steals the car drives in a dangerous manner, or is involved in a collision that injures someone else, damages the car or other property then they could face charges of aggravated vehicle taking.

If a suspect takes a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission then this may be an offence known as Taking Without Owner’s Consent (TWOC).

Select any card you feel you need to. Once you've done this, use the "See my options" button to get your advice.
You do not have to select a card from every category. You can also view our general advice.

Victim/Witness

My motor vehicle has been stolen
You want to report the theft of your car, van, motorbike, lorry or other type of motor vehicle
My motor vehicle has been stolen after someone broke into my home
Someone has stolen your motor vehicle after taking the keys from your home
My motor vehicle has been stolen after someone used violence or threats
Someone used threats or violence to steal your motor vehicle
My motor vehicle has been taken by someone without my consent
Someone has taken your motor vehicle without your permission. This could be a friend or member of your family
Someone tried to steal my motor vehicle
You want to report that someone has attempted to steal your motor vehicle
There are witnesses
Someone saw the incident happen
I don't think there are any witnesses
You don't know if anyone saw what happened

Your situation

This has happened more than once
This isn't the first time this has happened
I feel I've been targeted
If you feel that you have been targeted for a particular reason please make sure you tell us this
I do not speak English very well
English is not your first language and you may have difficulties discussing your concerns

The person who did this

I think I know who did this
You have details of, or suspect you know who committed the crime
I don’t know who did this but I do have a description
You have a description of what the suspect or suspects look like
I don't have a name or description of the person, but I have other details
You do not have any description or names of those involved, but do have details such as their address, their place of work, their number plate, online details etc.
Someone I know has details about who did this
Someone believes they have information about the person or people who have done this
I don't know who did this
You do not have any details of who is involved in this

Evidence

There is video footage or photos
You may have clear CCTV, video or images of the incident or know where there are cameras which may cover the area
There is evidence which could identify the person responsible
There may be evidence such as bodily fluids, fingerprints, footprints or saliva
They left something behind
The suspect may have left an item behind
There are verbal or written comments
The suspect/s said something, left graffiti, wrote something online or sent emails or messages
I don’t know if there is any evidence
You are unsure if there is evidence that can help with the investigation

Concerns

This is affecting my mental or physical health
You would like support following this incident
I want to remain anonymous
You do not want to provide your details
I do not want to go to court
You do not feel comfortable taking part in a trial or hearing
I want my vehicle back
You are unsure what will happen if we are able to find your vehicle
I am unsure if I need to notify my insurance company or anyone else
You are unsure about who you need to inform about the theft
I'm worried it may happen again
You are worried that this incident may happen again
I left the keys in the ignition
Your motor vehicle was stolen after you left it unattended with the keys in the ignition
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RELATED INCIDENTS
Other incidents related to the information on this page:
Theft from motor vehicle

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