The Royal Malaysian Police has managed to reduce the vehicle theft crime index by 34 per cent in the first six months of the year, as compared to the corresponding period last year.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said during the period, 10,559 cases were reported nationwide this year.

Last year, there were 15,970 cases.

"The police will ensure the index is reduced further by seeking alternative means," he told reporters after a Vehicle Theft Reduction Council of Malaysia Berhad event near here on Tuesday.

Khalid said the stolen vehicles were earlier suspected to have been smuggled to Thailand and Singapore.