Victoria Police is issuing a warning to vehicle owners, as intelligence reveals tech savvy thieves are behind a surge in car thefts across the state.
Increasing numbers of cars are being stolen from residential streets, driveways, and other community locations, where no associated burglary, robbery, or carjacking takes place.
While there are instances where people leave their keys in their car, most commonly in these thefts, the owner reported to police they retained the keys and their car had simply vanished.
Police intelligence suggests as many as one in five Victorian cars are stolen in these circumstances.
This trend has coincided with third party electronic devices, which are capable of programming or mimicking keys, becoming increasingly available for purchase.
Once inside a vehicle, this device can be plugged into the cars on board diagnostic port to override the security system and start the engine.
Car thefts using third party electronic devices have been occurring in other countries such as the United States and United Kingdom for several years and are now becoming more prevalent locally.
Police believe this methodology is well known among criminal circles and being used extensively, hence today’s public warning.
Police intelligence suggests certain makes and models with electronic push start technology are being targeted, given no ignition key is required.
Victoria Police’s Vehicle Crime Squad has been working with impacted manufacturers on this issue, given the devices are being used to exploit car electronic security systems. Insurance companies have also been engaged as part of these discussions.
The intelligence reveals the makes and models most stolen in circumstances where police believe key reprogramming devices were used include:
Holden thefts increased by 92.9% (+1,377) in the twelve months to January 2025, when compared to the previous 12 months. 1.7 x as many Holdens stolen in this period, when compared to the rolling five yearly average. Specifically relates to Commodores (sedans, utes, and station wagons) manufactured between 2013 and 2017.
Toyota thefts increased by 76.4% (+1,391) in the twelve months to January 2025, when compared to the previous twelve months. 1.7 x as many Toyotas stolen in this period, when compared to the rolling five yearly average. Specifically relates to Hilux (2016 – 2023), Landcruiser (2008 – 2021), Camry (2014 – 2017), Prado (2012 – 2022), Rav4 (2019 – 2024), 86 (2012 – 2017) and C-HR (2017 – 2020).
Subaru thefts increased by 107.8% (+402) in the twelve months to January 2025, when compared to the previous twelve months. 1.8 x as many Subarus stolen in this period, when compared to the rolling five yearly average. Specifically relates to Impreza/WRX (2015 – 2018), Outback (2015 – 2018), XV (2014 – 2018) and Levorg (2016 – 2017).
Police are urging owners of these vehicles to look at a range of preventative measures to help deter thieves, including an on board diagnostic port lock which prevents an offender connecting a reprogramming device to your vehicle. These locks are highly affordable and self-installable.
Further information about additional vehicle security measures can be found at https://www.police.vic.gov.au/preventing-motor-vehicle-theft
Other security tips include parking your vehicle off the street and always ensuring your vehicle is locked, even when at home.
As always, police urge the community to lock their cars and remove items such as garage remotes and car/house keys.
