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.
“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,” vehicle crime squad detective inspector Julie MacDonald said.
“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.”
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.
“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,” SD2 investigations and response inspector Scott Dwyer said.
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 car brands most stolen using key reprogramming devices include Subaru, Toyota and Holden.
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.
“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,” SD2 investigations and response inspector Scott Dwyer said.
