How to verify a car’s ownership history
Car theft in Australia isn’t the relic many assume it to be. Last year, 42,592 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were stolen—nearly 80% of them equipped with immobilisers. The numbers, from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, suggest thieves have adapted faster than some expected. While immobilisers were introduced to curb theft by preventing a vehicle from starting without the correct key, criminals have developed methods to bypass these systems. These methods require minimal physical force, making thefts quicker and less conspicuous than traditional hot-wiring or lock-picking.
The persistence of car theft despite technological advancements shows a broader issue: security measures often lag behind criminal innovation. Immobilisers were mandated in all new cars sold in Australia from 2001, yet theft rates remained stubbornly high for years afterward. This suggests that while immobilisers deterred opportunistic thieves, they did little to stop those with the technical know-how to exploit vulnerabilities. The fact that 80% of stolen vehicles had immobilisers fitted indicates that thieves are not deterred by these systems but have instead found ways to neutralise them.
Older cars are the prime targets
Most stolen vehicles are worth less than $5,000. Only one in 50 thefts involved cars valued over $50,000, a sign that newer, more secure models are harder to take. The disparity in theft rates between older and newer vehicles reflects both the lower security standards of older models and the higher demand for parts from these cars. Many older vehicles lack modern security features such as encrypted key fobs, GPS tracking, or alarm systems linked to smartphone apps.
The Holden Commodore topped the 2017 list. The model’s popularity among thieves is partly due to its ubiquity on Australian roads, making it easier to steal and resell without drawing suspicion. The model’s design also plays a role; older Commodores have fewer electronic security features, and their mechanical components are relatively easy to access and manipulate.
The data also reveals a shift. Thefts dropped 7.1% from 2016, continuing a downward trend since immobilisers became mandatory in 2001. Still, the risk of buying a stolen car hasn’t disappeared. The decline in thefts can be attributed to several factors, including improved policing strategies, public awareness campaigns, and the gradual phasing out of older, less secure vehicles.
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How to check a car’s history before buying
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), run by the Australian Financial Security Authority, is the official tool for verifying a vehicle’s status. A search costs $3.40 and can be done online or by phone. All you need is the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a credit or debit card, and an email address. The VIN is a 17-character code unique to each vehicle, typically found on the dashboard near the windshield, the driver’s side door jamb, or in the engine bay. It is also listed on registration papers and insurance documents. The PPSR search cross-references this number against national databases to determine whether the vehicle has been reported stolen, written off, or encumbered by finance.
The search returns a certificate showing whether the car has been reported stolen, written off, or has outstanding finance. If a security interest is registered, the car could be repossessed even after purchase. This scenario is particularly common with vehicles purchased through financing agreements, where the lender retains a legal claim until the loan is fully repaid. Buyers who unknowingly purchase such a vehicle may face repossession without compensation, leaving them without a car and out of pocket. The certificate also protects buyers if the search is conducted the day of—or the day before—the transaction. This protection is critical, as it provides legal recourse if the seller misrepresented the vehicle’s status.
This system works nationwide, regardless of where the car was previously owned. But it’s not foolproof. Thieves sometimes clone VINs or rebirth stolen cars with new identities. VIN cloning involves copying the VIN from a legally owned vehicle and affixing it to a stolen one, making the stolen car appear legitimate. Rebirthing involves giving a stolen vehicle a new identity by altering its VIN, registration papers, and other identifying documents. These methods are often used to sell stolen vehicles to unsuspecting buyers or to export them overseas. While the PPSR can detect some instances of VIN cloning, it cannot always identify rebirthed vehicles, particularly if the new identity is not yet flagged in the system.
If a PPSR check flags a problem, the safest step is to walk away and report the seller to police. Buyers should also be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. A seller who refuses to provide the VIN or pressures a quick sale may be hiding something. Other red flags include incomplete or inconsistent documentation, such as missing service records or registration papers that do not match the VIN. The PPSR won’t catch every scam, but it’s the most reliable way to avoid buying a stolen car.
For owners, the advice is simpler: if your car is stolen, report it to police immediately. Recovering it is their job, though success isn’t guaranteed. Police use a combination of methods to locate stolen vehicles, including automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, public tip-offs, and tracking devices if the vehicle is equipped with one.
And if you drive a Holden Commodore, you might want to check your driveway twice. The model’s consistent appearance on theft lists is not just a statistical anomaly but a reflection of its enduring popularity among thieves.
