Stolen vehicles

Having your vehicle stolen can be stressful and costly. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, and support services are available to assist you. See Support for victims of crime. See below to find out about financial assistance for victims of vehicle crime.

The Queensland Police Service seeks public assistance to identify stolen vehicles. Located vehicles should not be intercepted, and instead reported to Policelink (or Triple Zero in an emergency).

When should you call Triple Zero (000) to report a stolen vehicle?

• If you are witnessing a vehicle being stolen at the time
• If you are watching a stolen vehicle that has occupants in it, or
• If you are following the stolen vehicle.

When should you call Policelink (131 444) to report a stolen vehicle?

• If the crime is not happening now
• If it’s not life threatening
• If there is little likelihood of the suspected offenders being in the area
• If your vehicle has been stolen and you did not witness the theft (it happened some time ago), or
• If you have located a stolen vehicle abandoned on the side of the road.

What happens next? 

Police are investigating your report. You may or may not hear from investigating officers during the process.

What should you do now?

Avoid touching items the offender may have handled (e.g. entry points, broken glass). If necessary, wear gloves or use a cloth to minimise contact.

Forensic Officers will contact you if they need to attend the scene. They may wait until daylight to aid evidence collection. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is my vehicle is found damaged? Notify your insurer and get towing approval. Send repair quotes to the investigating officer to assist with court proceedings.

How do I clean fingerprint dust? Use a dry cloth to remove excess dust, then a damp cloth for residue.

When can I collect my recovered vehicle? Police will contact you when it’s ready for release. If insured, check with your insurer before collecting. 

How will I know the court outcome? Police will update you if charges are laid and provide court outcome details.

Financial assistance for victims of vehicle crime

If your vehicle has been stolen and recovered, support is available to help you manage the recovery process.

In addition, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Towing of Motor Vehicles Scheme, which supports victims of motor vehicle crime in Queensland.

To learn more about the recovery process and financial assistance available, see Towing of Motor Vehicles Scheme.

My vehicle was stolen; what should I do next?

The information below is for vehicles stolen within the last 28 days. Data is refreshed daily.