WITH data showing statewide car thefts have hit a 10-year high, one peak motoring body is urging vehicle owners to take responsibility for keeping cars and possessions safe.

According to Victoria's Crime Statistics Agency, car thefts were up nearly 25 per cent year-on-year to the end of June with almost 23,250 of the offences recorded.

At the same time, thefts from cars were up more than 17 per ...