Car crime has skyrocketed in Victoria, with theft claims soaring 59 per cent in the past year, new data released today shows.

A report by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) shows more than 12,000 cars were stolen across the state, costing insurers over $200 million, most of it in Melbourne.

Across Australia, the number of motor theft claims rose 11 per cent to 30,000 with claims totalling $466 million, up 20 per cent on the previous 12-month period.

Queensland recorded its largest drop in car thefts in more than a decade.

The state’s total claims count dropped by 11 per cent to 6000, while incurred losses were down 10 per cent from the previous 12-months.

Western Australia and South Australia both recorded a 10 per cent reduction in claims and New South Wales was down 3 per cent.

The ICA figures show the spike in Victorian vehicle thefts was centred around metropolitan areas, such as Melbourne, with urban thefts accounting for most of the claims, equating to $183 million in insured losses.

Experts are warning thieves are increasingly using sophisticated technology to steal vehicles across Australia.

“Motor theft claims have been climbing significantly over the last decade, and while they only make up a small part of overall motor claims, this is a growing concern,” said ICA chief executive Andrew Hall.

“Everyone pays for car theft, through increased costs of policing, courts and ultimately insurance. We cannot accept this level of car crime as normal in Australia.”