Motor vehicle theft

Keeping your vehicle secure and in well lit areas can reduce its attractiveness to potential criminals.

Theft prevention information

Follow these crime prevention tips to prevent theft of your vehicle.

Lock all doors and close all windows

Keep your car physically secure.

• Lock your car, even when parking at home, in your garage, or leaving your car for a moment.
• Never leave your car running when unattended.
• Close all windows, including the sunroof.
• Keep your car locked while driving.

Install anti-theft devices

Deter thieves from stealing your car by installing anti-theft devices such as:

• on-board diagnostic (OBD) port locks
• remote battery disconnect switches
• car alarms
• steering wheel locks, including alternative models which attach to your seat belt
• digital anti-theft systems
• engine immobilisers
• on-board diagnostic block or port tracker
• RFID (radio frequency identification) blocker or Faraday box/bag for your key fob
• generic trackers such as GPS/Bluetooth
• keyless digital blockers
• bonnet locks

For more advice on how to best secure your vehicle, talk to staff at auto shops that stock anti-theft products.

Secure your keys

Keep your keys in a secure place.

• Never leave your keys in your car.
• Do not put your name and address on any keys – use a mobile phone number.
• Keep spare car keys in a secure place at home or at work.

Park in a secure well-lit area

Ensure you park your vehicle safely.

• Park off the street. A locked garage is best or a driveway if you don’t have a garage.
• If parked in a driveway, consider the installation of a sensor light and CCTV.
• If you need to park on the street, park in a well-lit area.

Car theft and technology

A recent surge in car thefts shows that car thieves have been using technology to steal cars.

Thieves are targeting certain cars with electronic push start technology and require no ignition key.

Unwanted electronic access to cars

Thieves now have access to third party electronic devices. The number of key programming devices for sale has led to levels of car theft not seen in Victoria since 2003.

These devices can access certain cars' electronics with special devices that can:

• reprogram car keys,
• override the security system, or,
• start a car without ignition.

Install an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port lock

Installing on-board diagnostic (OBD) port locks is the best way to keep your car safe from unwanted electronic access and theft.

They are cheap, easy to install and readily available from websites and auto shops that offer anti-theft solutions.

Specific car makes and models targeted

Thieves target specific car makes that are easy to access electronically. These models often use electronic push start technology and don't need ignition key to start.

We recommend using an OBD port lock for cars with electronic push start technology, such as:

• Holden Commodore (2013 - 2017)
• Toyota
  • Hilux (2016 - 2023)
  • Landcruiser (2008 - 2021)
  • Camry Prado (2012 - 2022)
  • Rav4 (2019 - 2024)
  • 86 (2012 - 2017) and
  • C-HR (2017 - 2020)
• Subaru
  • Impreza/WRX (2015 - 2018)
  • Outback (2015 - 2018)
  • XV/Crosstrek (2014 - 2022)
  • Levorg (2016 - 2017).

What to do if your car has been stolen

If your car has been stolen:

• do not confront the thief, your safety is more important than your possessions
• report the theft to police
• call your insurance company.

Report a stolen vehicle

For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).

For non-emergencies, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or report confidentially to Crime Stoppers online or call 1800 333 000.

You will need the following information:

• registration number and state registered
• vehicle make, model, year, body type and transmission (automatic or manual)
• colour of body and upholstery
• engine and VIN number
• accessories fitted (for example, radio/speakers, anti-theft devices, LPG tank).

Vehicle tracking

Take steps to track your car in case it is stolen.

• Owners of some modern cars can track their car’s location through a mobile phone application.
• Your car dealer can tell you if this is available, and how to access the application.
• If your car is stolen, police may ask for your login information.