071 Motor vehicle theft and related offences

This subdivision includes the taking of another person’s motor vehicle illegally and without permission, either temporarily or permanently. It also includes theft of vehicle parts or contents.

A motor vehicle is any self-propelled vehicle that runs on land and is eligible for registration for use on public roads. This includes, but is not limited to: car, motorcycle, campervan, truck, lorry, tractor, bus, grader, etc.

Where it is unknown if the vehicle was intended to be taken permanently (theft) or temporarily (illegal use), the offence should be coded to 0710 Motor vehicle theft and related offences, not further defined.

Theft of a motor vehicle involves the taking of another person’s motor vehicle (as defined for this subdivision) illegally and without permission, with the intent of permanently depriving the owner or possessor of the use of the vehicle. 

Where theft and illegal use of a motor vehicle cannot be disaggregated, offences should be coded to 0710 Motor vehicle theft and related offences, not further defined.

• Permanently take a motor vehicle without consent
• Steal a motor vehicle by conversion (rent to steal)
• Other theft of a motor vehicle

• Offences relating to the operation of a stolen vehicle – coded to relevant groups in 13 Traffic and vehicle offences
• Take a vehicle by force, including carjacking – coded to relevant groups in 051 Robbery
• Theft of a tram, train, ship, aircraft, boat, vessel, bicycle, wheelchair or any other vehicle not self-propelled or eligible for registration on public roads – coded to 0792 Theft of other vehicles.
• Unlawfully take parts or contents from another person’s vehicle illegally and without permission – coded to 0713 Theft of vehicle parts or contents

Where theft and illegal use of a motor vehicle cannot be disaggregated, offences should be coded to 0710 Motor vehicle theft and related offences, not further defined.

Illegal use of a motor vehicle includes the taking or use of another person’s motor vehicle (as defined for this subdivision) illegally and without permission, without the intent of temporarily depriving the owner or possessor of the use of the vehicle. This may include where the offender did not take the vehicle themselves.

Where theft and illegal use of a motor vehicle cannot be disaggregated, offences should be coded to 0710 Motor vehicle theft and related offences not further defined.

• Illegal use of a motor vehicle temporarily without consent, including joyriding
• Unlawfully use a stolen motor vehicle as a passenger or driver
• Other illegal use of a motor vehicle

• Offences relating to the unsafe driving of a stolen vehicle – coded to relevant groups within 13 Traffic and vehicle offences
• Permanently take a motor vehicle without consent – coded to 0711 Theft of a motor vehicle
• Take a vehicle by force, including carjacking – coded to the relevant groups in 051 Robbery
• Use a vehicle to intentionally cause injury – coded to the relevant groups within 02 Assault

This group involves the taking of parts or contents from another person’s motor vehicle illegally and without permission. 

Note that in some jurisdictions, break and enter of a vehicle may be considered burglary and coded to a group in 069 Other burglary offences.

• Theft of car parts such as numberplates, catalytic converters, navigation systems, or other car parts
• Theft of items from within a motor vehicle
• Other theft of vehicle parts or contents

• Theft from a vehicle other than a motor vehicle as defined for this subdivision
• Burglary of a vehicle where someone lives, such as a houseboat – coded to the relevant group in 061 Burglary of a dwelling
• Theft of a vehicle – coded to 0711 Theft of a motor vehicle or 0792 Theft of other vehicles