A spike in the number of cars stolen, torched and dumped on public reserves has thrown a spotlight on who’s responsible to cover the cost of removing them.

Some innocent victims like Sam Siemsen believe Wagga City Council (WWCC) tow away fees are too expensive.

A car her boyfriend bought her was stolen from their home several weeks ago and found the following day burnt out on Ashmont Oval.

“Council charge more than $600 to remove it or you can get it done for free with someone you know,” Ms Siemsen said.

“I think it’s too much money because some people can’t afford it.”

Moses Tushabe wouldn’t have been able to afford to pay for his brother’s two cars to be towed if it weren’t for the service of local tow truck services.

“It’s way too much (money),” he said.

Police Inspector Peter Robertson said police offered to tow a car on the owner’s behalf, but the matter generally involved the owner and their insurance company.

“The towing and removal of the vehicle is not our responsibility,” he said.

“We investigate traffic and crime.”

A WWCC spokesman said the matter was for police and insurance companies, but they generally informed the last registered owner to remove it from public property within seven days or it could be impounded or removed.

“These vehicles are removed by a contractor and are impounded and may be disposed of by way of sale or scrap,” he said.

While fees and charges depend on the car’s location and condition, fines may be issued in the amount of $550.

Local businesses like Advance Towing and Wagga Scrap Metal offer free towing to help curb the incidence.

“It’s happening more and more in the last few years,” Advance Towing owner Neville Little said.

“Insurance could cover it, but some people can’t afford insurance.

“I just do it to try help the battlers out.”