The technology that thieves use to steal cars in Victoria is getting more advanced. Keep your vehicle secure and in well lit areas to make it less attractive to potential criminals.
Key crime prevention tips
To prevent theft of your motor vehicle you should:
- lock the car doors and close all windows
- install anti-theft devices
- secure your keys
- park in a well-lit and secure area.
Vehicle theft prevention information
Victoria Police recovers around 80% of all vehicles stolen each year. However, there are certain steps you can take to protect your vehicle from being stolen.
Car theft and technology
Police intelligence indicates more than 10,000 vehicles are stolen by thieves using electronic devices in Victoria each year. This comes to around 30 cars stolen every day.
Certain modern day cars with electronic push start technology and no ignition key have become targets.
Thieves can use key mimicking or cloning technology to override car security systems. The number of criminals using key reprogramming devices to steal vehicles has led to the highest levels of car theft since 2001.
These devices can access certain cars' electronics and can:
- reprogram car keys,
- override the security system
- start a car without ignition.
On-board diagnostic (OBD) port lock
We recommend installing an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port lock for cars with electronic push start technology.
OBD port locks are a good way to deter thieves from electronically accessing your car. They are cheap, easy to install and readily available from websites and auto shops that offer anti-theft solutions.
Watch: Install an OBD port lock and protect your car
Watch this video to find out how to make your car hard to steal. You will learn:
- how to install an OBD port lock
- how to protect your electronic car keys from being cloned, and
- how to add a steering wheel lock.
Targeted car makes and models
Thieves target specific car models that are easy to access electronically.
These models often use electronic push start technology and don't need ignition key to start.
Holden Commodores and Toyotas are the most common vehicles stolen.
View the below table of the number of cars stolen each year, by make and model of car.
| Make and Model | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2022 to 2025 comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holden Commodore | 485 | 605 | 1345 | 1271 | 2.62 x increase |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | 89 | 103 | 241 | 846 | 9.5 x increase |
| Toyota Corolla | 149 | 166 | 254 | 676 | 4.5 x increase |
| Toyota Hilux | 140 | 186 | 335 | 592 | 4.2 x increase |
| Toyota Rav4 | 47 | 82 | 141 | 467 | 9.9 x increase |
| Subaru Impreza | 31 | 56 | 154 | 445 | 14.4 x increase |
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 in an emergency
Contact Triple Zero (000) if:
- the incident is happening now
- the suspect is still on scene
- the stolen vehicle has live tracking and is actively being monitored
- anyone is injured or in immediate danger.
Report a stolen vehicle when there is no immediate danger
If you are the owner of a car that has been stolen, and there is no immediate danger, you can make a non urgent report:
- online, or call our Police Assistance Line on 131 444
- confidentially to Crime Stoppers online, or by calling 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
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.
Do not track the car and confront the thieves yourself. If the vehicle has live tracking and is actively being monitored, contact Triple Zero (000). Police may ask for your login information to track your car.
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