Thinkware pushes connected dash cams as vehicle theft rises in Australia

Thinkware is expanding its Australian push for connected dash cams as vehicle theft, vandalism and hit-and-run incidents climb. The company is pointing to insurance data and new parking surveillance features as drivers look for more video evidence when vehicles are unattended.

Why it matters: - Vehicle theft and related crimes are making around-the-clock vehicle surveillance more relevant for Australian drivers. - Demand is rising for video evidence that can support insurance claims after theft, vandalism, parking damage or hit-and-run incidents. - Thinkware is also aiming to reduce the long-term costs tied to connected dash cam ownership with a service plan.

What happened: - Thinkware said it is expanding its commitment to Australian drivers with a connected service plan. - The company highlighted rising demand for vehicle surveillance as theft and other vehicle-related crimes increase across Australia. - Thinkware pointed to Insurance Council of Australia data showing Victoria recorded a 25% increase in motor theft claims and a 37% rise in incurred costs from 2024 to 2025. - The Insurance Council of Australia also reported motor vehicle theft claims reached $428 million in 2024, nearly double the value from a decade earlier. - The company said its latest premium dash cam range combines high-resolution recording with advanced parking surveillance features. - Thinkware directed readers to more information about its dash cams and connected vehicle solutions.

The details: - The company said many incidents happen while vehicles are parked and unattended. - The ABS found that more than half of vehicle thefts and three-quarters of thefts from vehicles occur at home. - Available features across selected models include Intelligent Parking Mode recording, motion and impact detection, low-power parking surveillance, cloud connectivity, LTE connectivity, remote notifications and real-time vehicle monitoring. - Alex Lee, senior sales manager at Thinkware Australia, said incidents often happen when drivers are away from their vehicles. - Lee said clear video evidence can help motorists understand what happened and support the insurance claims process. - Thinkware said Australian drivers are viewing video evidence less as a convenience and more as a tool for protecting their vehicles. - Thinkware said continuous monitoring and high-quality video capture can help drivers stay informed and prepared on the road or while parked.

Between the lines: - The pitch is broader than dash cams alone. Thinkware is positioning connected surveillance as part of the cost-of-ownership equation for modern vehicle protection. - The focus on parking surveillance reflects where many incidents occur and where drivers have the least ability to respond in real time. - Insurance claims data gives the company a concrete case for why connected monitoring may matter more now than in the past.

What's next: - Thinkware appears to be leaning on connected features and parking surveillance to drive uptake in Australia. - Drivers looking for evidence after unattended incidents are likely to remain the main audience for these products. - The company said its connected vehicle solutions are available through its Australian range.