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.
Police have made numerous arrests in relation to offenders stealing cars using these devices including:
• On 10 January 2025 at around 10.30am, an owner of a large vacant factory in Wantirna found multiple people within their factory and called police. Officers quickly attended as multiple people attempted to flee on foot. One person drove through a fence in a stolen Renault van to escape, before dumping it in Ringwood East. Another eight alleged offenders were arrested at the scene. Located inside the factory were two stolen cars (including a VF Commodore), OBD re-programmers, and blank vehicle key fobs. Large amounts of methylamphetamine, GHB and cannabis were also uncovered, as well as a handgun. A large number of allegedly stolen power tools were recovered. A 35-year-old Craigieburn man, a 31-year-old Wallan man, a 27-year-old Oakleigh South man, a 34-year-old man of no fixed address, a 23-year-old Deniliquin man, a 28-year-old Badger Creek man and a 23-year-old Mooroolbark woman and a 20-year-old Rowville woman were interviewed in relation to car theft, trafficking methylamphetamine, possessing a handgun, and handling stolen goods. They have been released from custody with an intent to charge on summons. The driver of the allegedly stolen Renault van was arrested on 14 January by Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives. A 23-year-old Clayton man was charged with reckless exposure of police officer to risk by driving, three counts of theft of motor vehicle, criminal damage and driving while disqualified.
• On 10 January 2025 at around 4.10pm, police attempted to intercept a stolen Holden Commodore bearing false plates on Clyde-Five Ways Road in Clyde, before it sped off. Air Wing tracked the vehicle from overhead as it drove erratically and travelled at speeds of up to 150 km/h. Stop sticks were successfully deployed on North Road in Langwarrin. The cars tyres began to disintegrate, and the vehicle was eventually dumped at the Karingal Hub in Frankston. The alleged offender was quickly arrested, while police quickly confirmed the Commodore had been stolen from Casey Central Shopping Centre earlier the same day. Follow up enquiries revealed the owner told police they had retained their car keys and their car was locked. Moments before being arrested, police saw the alleged offender attempt to discard an OBD reprogrammer into a bin. A 34-year-old Nyora man was charged with a range of offences including theft of motor vehicle, going equipped to steal, and dangerous driving while pursued by police. He has been remanded until a later date.
• On 6 November 2024, police arrested a 25-year-old male in Wollert. The male was arrested after his vehicle was involved in an extended follow and stop sticked by police. A search of the male's vehicle resulted in police locating an OBD reader, 12 sets of car keys, stolen property and a small amount of drugs. The male was charged with 11 offences including theft of motor vehicle and remains remanded.
• On 18 October 2024, police arrested a 24-year-old male and a 22-year-old female in Morwell. The pair were arrested in relation to a series of alleged car thefts targeting Holden Commodores across Sale and Narre Warren. A search of the male's bedroom found numerous allegedly stolen registration plates and cards linked to 14 car thefts and theft from motor vehicle offences. An OBD device was also found in the room. The pair were charged with a range of offences including four counts of theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, theft and driving offences. Both the male and female were bailed to appear at a later date.
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
Quotes attributable to 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."
Quotes attributable to 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."
