Secondary engine immobiliser trial strengthens vehicle security

• More than 11,000 vouchers have been obtained by eligible residents since the launch of the secondary engine immobiliser subsidy trial on 2 August 2023
• Just over 1,800 secondary engine immobilisers have been installed
• The subsidy vouchers are valued at up to $500

The State Government’s Secondary Vehicle Immobiliser Subsidy Trial has been embraced with more than half the vouchers now spoken for.  

Eligible residents of Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa have obtained 11,926 vouchers since the launch on 2 August 2023. 

The Palaszczuk Government is providing a $500 subsidy voucher to eligible vehicle owners as part of a $10 million investment to support the installation of up to 20,000 secondary engine immobilisers.

So far, 1,832 car owners have redeemed their vouchers and had a secondary engine immobiliser installed in their vehicle, with many more booked in with approved installers. 

Quotes attributable to the Minister:

Police Minister Mark Ryan is urging eligible vehicle owners in Cairns, Townsville or Mount Isa to get on board and take advantage of this opportunity. 

“This is a way for community members in the trial area to participate in this community safety initiative.

“A secondary engine immobiliser significantly strengthens the security of the vehicle and supports better community safety outcomes,” Minister Ryan said.   

Quotes attributable to Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart:

“I welcome the implementation of the Secondary Engine Immobiliser Subsidy trial and I encourage eligible Townsville residents to apply for the vouchers and redeem them with the local installers.”

Quotes to Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper:

“This is another way we continue to back community safety as well as the new Youth Justice Reform Select Committee which I’m proud to be part of to help put Townsville and North Queensland voices forward.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Mundingburra Les Walker:

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to improved community safety, and this popular trial is one of the ways we are delivering on this commitment. I encourage the community to get one of the remaining vouchers and have an immobiliser fitted.

Quotes attributable to Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream:

Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream said with more half the vouchers now allocated, police are encouraging voucher holders to book their immobiliser installation. 

“We have received very positive feedback from vehicle owners who have had their device installed through the program.

“It is promising that so many community members have taken advantage of this crime prevention strategy.

“To avoid a rush and possible delayed installation times at the end of the trial, we encourage people to book their immobiliser installation now.

“Find a local installer on the website and book your vehicle in.

“We know this technology stops car thieves in their tracks. If you are an eligible resident of Cairns, Townsville or Mount Isa and haven’t applied for a voucher yet, we encourage you to take-up the offer.” 

Further information:

More information about the trial is available on the QPS Website: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/vehicle-immobiliser-subsidy-trial

For those who received a voucher, but no longer need it, please email VehicleImmobiliser.SubsidyTrial@police.qld.gov.au and your voucher can be cancelled and re-allocated.

ENDS