RATEPAYERS living at Tasmania's car theft hot-spot in Clarence are being slugged every year to clear dozens of dumped and burnt-out cars from their streets.
They could also be slugged with higher insurance premiums, as the number of thefts are considered in setting insurance rates.
More cars were stolen in the area last financial year than in any other area across the state.
In 2009-10 more than 350 cars were stolen in the area, accounting for 20 per cent of the state's total, and one in five were burnt out.
Clarence City Council responded to 76 abandoned cars during the year and paid for the removal of 44 that were unclaimed or unidentifiable because of fire damage.
The council's health and community development manager John Toohey said it cost about $160 to remove a car, totalling about $7000 last financial year, although the council did receive a discounted rate.
"When we can't identify an owner we have to dispose of it because we have to get rid of the risk, and it is unsightly," he said.
"If they go to the wreckers we do keep any money we make, which can offset the cost."
Mr Toohey said when the owner could be identified it was their responsibility to remove the car, and if it took much longer than a week the council would move it and then send an invoice.
RACT insurance chief executive Trent Sayers said the number of car theft claims had increased in May and June this year, and the number of claims relating to burnt-out cars had doubled from five to 10 each month.
He said the average cost for all theft claims was $3131 and for burnt-out theft claims it was $5932.
Premiums are affected by where a car owner lives, Mr Sayers said.
"It's not a matter of a high incidence of theft means a higher premium, there are other elements, but it is a factor that's considered."
Tasmania Police Southern District Commander Peter Edwards said identifying car owners was generally easy.
However, extensive fire damage or unregistered cars made it difficult at times.
"There are some issues when a car is damaged severely by fire or when a car hasn't been registered," he said. |