March 5th, 2025Surge in tech-savvy car theft prompts police warning

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.

Car theft in Victoria has gradually declined over the past 20 years as vehicle security improved and cars could no longer be hotwired.

However, the proliferation of key programming devices for sale has led to levels of car theft not seen in Victoria since 2003.

In the twelve months to September 2024, 25,773 vehicles were stolen in Victoria – 6,408 more than the previous twelve months.

Without technological remedies or target hardening measures, such as the installation of on board diagnostic port locks, it’s anticipated the number of car thefts will continue to increase locally.

Anyone with information on vehicle theft is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Vehicle Crime Squad, Detective Inspector Julie MacDonald: “Modern day cars are akin to computers on wheels and while this comes with plenty of benefits, it also creates opportunity for offenders.

“Vehicle immobilisers were a technology facilitated solution at the turn of the century – the emergence of key programming devices are proving to be a technology facilitated problem.

“It was considered impossible to steal a car this way as little as two years ago.

“However, offenders are now using these devices like a modern-day screwdriver to steal cars.

“We strongly encourage owners of impacted cars to consider all possible methods to improve their vehicle’s security – there are a range of auto shops and websites that stock these anti-theft products, and staff can assist with advising you on what will best suit your vehicle.

“Vehicle owners can also speak with manufacturers or their insurance agents for further advice.

“For many vehicle owners, the loss of their car will have significant impacts. It’s not just the immediate financial loss, it could also be the impact it has on their ability to undertake activities such as attending work of school, transporting family members, or performing care responsibilities.

“If you can keep thieves out of your car, then the chances of losing your car are far reduced.”

Inspector Scott Dwyer, SD2 Investigations and Response: “On the frontline, it’s become clear these devices are well understood and frequently used by offenders.

“They are showing up more and more at search warrants and offenders are admitting they are using them during arrest interviews.

“Local police continue to arrest car thieves, including several who have admitted to using these devices to start and steal cars.

“While police will continue to be out in force targeting car thieves every day and every night, we also encourage the community to take the necessary steps to prevent themselves becoming a victim of crime.”

Words: Victoria Police