The number of car thefts in Victoria is soaring fast, according to reports.

News Corp revealed the most recent figures of total car thefts from Victoria, which put the state ahead of New South Wales’ rates.

In some areas, thefts have risen by 24.4 per cent in 12 months, while overall there had been a 5.6 per cent increase in the year up to October.

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The percentage leap in NSW was only 0.9 per cent. 

The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council numbers showed Victorian thefts were up to 14,381, from 13,620 the previous year. 

The 24.4 per cent increase was recorded in Greater Dandenong, with the report claiming members of a local street gang are allegedly to blame for the high levels of theft.

Cars lacking sophisticated security systems like older Holden Commodores and Nissan Pulsars are the most common targets.

However, the report also claims prestige European cars are being stripped and sold for profit.

NMVTRC executive director Ray Carroll told News Corp: “The rise is largely driven by teenagers and young men stealing for hooning or for the commission of other crimes.”

It is the first time Victoria has gone past NSW for car thefts since the organisation began collecting data.

Hume, near Broadmeadows in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, saw the most metropolitan car thefts.

Despite a 6.5 per cent decline in the year, a total of 766 put it in ahead of Brimbank (684) and Greater Geelong (651).

The biggest percentage increases in Victoria were in Greater Dandenong, Melbourne (19 per cent) and Greater Geelong (18.8 per cent).