It defines the extent of the problem of autocrime in Australia including both theft from cars and theft of cars. Statistics are cited about the pattern of car thefts, types of car thieves, target vehicles, and target locations. To combat this problem, a situational approach is presented together with long term education strategies. One of the solutions includes encouraging better security habits for the public, particularly locking cars. Educating car manufacturers about car security ratings and the addition of mechanical and electrical or electronic design features will make cars more difficult to break into and start. Controlling access by pedestrians in combination with surveillance will reduce car theft in car parks. Government initiatives taken include vehicle component identification, new registration regulations, and increased penalties. 4 tables, 10 figures and 29 references