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Car thefts in the state have seen a noticeable rise in recent years, with the latest figures from the Crime Statistics Agency revealing that 33,212 vehicles were stolen in the year leading up to September.
Authorities confiscated 800 key cloning devices last year, which are often used in these thefts.
“Our intelligence suggests that approximately 30 cars are stolen each day in Victoria using key cloning technology,” stated Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner for Regional Operations, Bob Hill.
He further noted, “Key cloning devices are appearing with increasing frequency during search warrants and when intercepting suspicious vehicles.”
Hill emphasized, “There is no question that this method is pervasive in the criminal underworld. It is imperative for us as a community to collaborate in efforts to curb car theft.”
These thefts have affected popular makes and models.
Toyota Land Cruisers, Corollas, Hiluxs, and Rav 4s and Holden Commodores and Subaru Imprezas were most likely stolen using technology.
From 2022 to 2025, Subaru Imprezas saw a 14.4 per cent increase in thefts, Toyota Rav 4s saw a 9.9 per cent increase and Toyota Land Cruisers saw a 9.5 per cent increase.
The suburbs targeted by this type of theft were Melbourne, Dandenong, Tarneit, Narre Warren, St Albans, Craigieburn, Southbank, Reservoir, Truganina and Epping.
Police are working with the companies and believe the common theme is their push to start ignitions.
They are also arresting thieves and recovering stolen cars, 80 per cent of which were returned to their owners last year.
Car owners are advised to lock their car, park their car off the street and invest in an anti-theft device.
“The best thing you can do is park your car off the street and install anti-theft devices, such as OBD port locks, to reduce your chances of falling victim,” Hill said.
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