A new wave of car thefts is sweeping Australia—are you at risk?

Car theft is nothing new, but the methods criminals use are evolving in ways that many vehicle owners never saw coming.

A worrying trend has emerged in Victoria, with thieves bypassing traditional break-ins and using advanced tools to make cars disappear—often without a trace.

What’s behind this surge, and which vehicles are being targeted the most?


Technology-savvy thieves in Victoria had been targeting some of the most popular car models, leading to a sharp rise in vehicle theft, police warned.

Cars had been disappearing from residential streets, driveways, and other public spaces without any sign of forced entry, robbery, or carjacking.

While some cases involved owners leaving their keys in their vehicles, many reported their cars had vanished despite having their keys in their possession.


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Thieves using new tech to steal vehicles. Image source: Pexel/Taras Makarenko


Authorities noted a surge in cars stolen without keys across Victoria, with up to one in five vehicles taken in this manner.

Thieves had begun using third-party electronic devices to override security systems, a tactic that had already been seen in the US and Britain for several years.

These devices, which could mimic or reprogram keys, had become increasingly available for purchase, making it easier for criminals to bypass security measures.

Once inside the car, offenders could plug the device into the vehicle's diagnostic port and start the engine without needing the actual key.


Popular makes and models, such as the Toyota Prado, had been frequent targets for these technologically advanced thefts.

Cases of Holden Commodores being stolen had jumped by 92 per cent, with 1,377 more vehicles taken in the 12 months leading to January 2025.

Toyota thefts—including models like the LandCruiser, Prado, and RAV4—had increased by 76 per cent, equating to 1,391 additional cases.

Subaru models, such as the Impreza/WRX and Outback, had seen an even steeper rise, with thefts up by 107.8 per cent—402 more vehicles than the previous year.


The growing availability of key programming devices had driven car theft rates to levels not seen in Victoria since 2003.

Between September 2023 and September 2024, 25,773 vehicles had been reported stolen in the state, marking an increase of 6,408 compared to the previous year.

Victorian police had made multiple arrests related to these crimes but urged car owners to remain cautious.

Detective Inspector Julie MacDonald advised, ‘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.’

She added: ‘Vehicle owners can also speak with manufacturers or their insurance agents for further advice.’


In a previous story, we explored how Australia’s rising car theft epidemic has driven demand for smarter security solutions.

As criminals continue to find new ways to bypass traditional protections, experts are urging vehicle owners to take extra precautions.

Read more about how this growing crisis is changing the way we approach car security.

Key Takeaways
  • Car thefts in Victoria had surged, with thieves using advanced technology to steal vehicles without needing the keys.
  • Third-party electronic devices, capable of mimicking or reprogramming keys, had become more accessible, allowing criminals to bypass security systems.
  • Popular models like the Holden Commodore, Toyota LandCruiser, Prado, RAV4, and Subaru Impreza/WRX and Outback had been frequently targeted.
  • Police had arrested multiple offenders but urged vehicle owners to enhance security with anti-theft products and seek advice from manufacturers or insurers.

With car thieves getting more sophisticated, traditional security measures may no longer be enough. Have you taken any extra steps to protect your vehicle?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
 

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I think everyone should go back to using good, old-fashioned club locks! My car is 25 years old and is not push-button start, and I still use my club lock. Even though my car has an alarm, I believe that a club lock is a visual deterrent! I have come to the conclusion that the more technology we use, the greater we are at risk to thieves and scammers.
 
I always removed my rotor, even when shopping, with the electric vehicles you can disconnect the electronics, but better to get advice, because resetting can be complicated if you have not been advised.
 
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Reactions: SandyM
Where there's a will, there's a way.
We had a club lock on our steering wheel whilst being in the club.
The car was stolen by the thieves squeezing the steering wheel in & just removing the lock.
Our car was never recovered. Obviously was wrecked for spare parts.
There were 7 of the same series of car that were stolen that night. No doubt, ours was on the "Shopping" list.
 
I think everyone should go back to using good, old-fashioned club locks! My car is 25 years old and is not push-button start, and I still use my club lock. Even though my car has an alarm, I believe that a club lock is a visual deterrent! I have come to the conclusion that the more technology we use, the greater we are at risk to thieves and scammers.
Sadly the Club Lock doesn't always deter them because they'll take it if they want that model vehicle. We have 2 police officers in our family and they've told us that the Club Locks just get sawn through now even though they're not as widely used used anymore.
I feel to just keep your keys inside your home and make sure your home is secure including a secure camera device as well lock your doggy door if you've a large dog because it's been seen on TV news just recently that the brazen ones are using the doggy door for entry into your home.
 
Sadly the Club Lock doesn't always deter them because they'll take it if they want that model vehicle. We have 2 police officers in our family and they've told us that the Club Locks just get sawn through now even though they're not as widely used used anymore.
I feel to just keep your keys inside your home and make sure your home is secure including a secure camera device as well lock your doggy door if you've a large dog because it's been seen on TV news just recently that the brazen ones are using the doggy door for entry into your home.
Yes, my husband just heard on the radio, that car thieves are carrying battery operated grinders to cut through club locks! (We lock everything up and don't leave anything in our cars.)
 
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Reactions: Josephine B
Yes, my husband just heard on the radio, that car thieves are carrying battery operated grinders to cut through club locks! (We lock everything up and don't leave anything in our cars.)
Also, if you have a doggy door that a 12-13 year old can climb through, put a lock on it as well as the thieves are using these smaller kids to gain entry.
 
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Reactions: SandyM
I think everyone should go back to using good, old-fashioned club locks! My car is 25 years old and is not push-button start, and I still use my club lock. Even though my car has an alarm, I believe that a club lock is a visual deterrent! I have come to the conclusion that the more technology we use, the greater we are at risk to thieves and scammers.
Yes these are the best idea. I will suggest you do what my late husband used to do. Put the club lock on with the lock facing the dashboard. It still works fine and no-one can use a lock pull to remove it, as they can't get at the lock itself.
 
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Reactions: SandyM
We use an rfid technology Faraday key pouch that blocks key programming devices.
I use the same idea Faraday pouch for the keys of push start car apparently blocks RFID scanners from cloning the key fob to start the car.. My 20 yr old Nissan uses older tech the remote to lock/unlock and ignition barrel key start not affected by RFID scanning. Also my 4wd has a remote battery disconnect as added security, and remote is also in Faraday pouch.
 
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Reactions: SandyM and Penny4
Sadly the Club Lock doesn't always deter them because they'll take it if they want that model vehicle. We have 2 police officers in our family and they've told us that the Club Locks just get sawn through now even though they're not as widely used used anymore.
I feel to just keep your keys inside your home and make sure your home is secure including a secure camera device as well lock your doggy door if you've a large dog because it's been seen on TV news just recently that the brazen ones are using the doggy door for entry into your home.
Security cameras dont work when thieves turn off the power to your house either apparently,which is what has been happening in my town
 
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Reactions: DLHM
I use the same idea Faraday pouch for the keys of push start car apparently blocks RFID scanners from cloning the key fob to start the car.. My 20 yr old Nissan uses older tech the remote to lock/unlock and ignition barrel key start not affected by RFID scanning. Also my 4wd has a remote battery disconnect as added security, and remote is also in Faraday pouch.
I also use a rfid wallet for my bank cards. A couple of years ago, I got skimmed from a large shopping centre just walking around. The bank was quick to block my card, as I had to ring them because I went to use it & it didn't work.
 
Security cameras dont work when thieves turn off the power to your house either apparently,which is what has been happening in my town
Or in the event of a blackout.

What happens to people who use a wi=fi governed security system in the event of a blackout? Enjoy sitting on the front step until power is restored unless you want to smash a window!
 
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Reactions: deni67 and DLHM

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