Stealing a motor vehicle, vessel, or trailer is a criminal offence. Governed under Section 154F of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).

What Constitutes Vehicle Theft?

Stealing a motor vehicle, vessel, or trailer involves the unlawful taking of that property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.

Section 154F of the Crimes Act

Under Section 154F, vehicle theft is a clearly defined offence. It covers the unauthorised taking of:

• Motor vehicles
• Vessels (like boats)
• Trailers

This legislation also considers components of vehicles and vessels if they contain identifying features such as VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers).

Penalties 

Maximum Penalty

• Up to 10 years’ imprisonment

Alternative Sentences

Depending on the nature and circumstances of the offence, courts may opt for alternative penalties, including:

• Home detention
• Intensive Correction Orders (ICOs)
• Suspended sentences
• Community service
• Good behaviour bonds
• Fines

These alternatives often depend on the offender’s history, the value of the stolen property, and the presence of aggravating or mitigating factors.

Definitions

The Crimes Act includes important definitions to support how vehicle theft is identified and prosecuted:

Interfere with a Thing

Means to alter, damage, remove, hide, deface, or otherwise tamper with an object.

Motor Vehicle

Includes:

• Any road vehicle as defined under the Road Transport Act 2013 (even without an engine),
• Engines intended to be part of such vehicles,
• Any part containing an identification plate under the now-repealed Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.

Trailer

Defined the same way as in the Road Transport Act 2013.

Unique Identifier

Any set of letters, numbers, symbols, or electronic data that:

• Is attached to or stored in a vehicle or vessel (or its parts),
• Helps identify the vehicle, vessel, or its components, or
• Indicates its production batch.

Vessel

Defined under the Marine Safety Act 1998, and includes boats or watercraft.

Parts of a Vehicle or Vessel

Includes anything (like keys or electronic devices) designed to operate or secure the vehicle or vessel, or to prevent unauthorised use.

About Post Author

Brian Walker

B.Acc., GradDipLegPrac, Juris Dr
Barrister & Accountant.
Former Criminal Defence Solicitor. Former Federal Prosecutor for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuting Commonwealth crimes relating to drugs and child exploitation. Former Australian Federal Police member litigating proceeds of crime matters. Former Australian Taxation Office employee investigating offshore tax evasion matters.

Post Created by Jesslyn Duong, paralegal.

See author's posts