Motor vehicle theft

The technology that thieves use to steal cars in Victoria is getting more advanced. Keep your vehicle secure and in well lit areas to reduce its attractiveness to potential criminals.

Vehicle theft prevention information

Victoria Police recovers around 80% of all vehicles stolen each year. However, there are certain steps you can take to prevent your vehicle from being stolen from you.

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.

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.

For tips on how to maintain a CCTV camera at your property, visit our CCTV installation page.

Car theft and technology

Car thieves have been using third party technology to steal modern day cars.

Certain cars with electronic push start technology and no ignition key have become targets.

Unwanted electronic access to cars

Thieves now have access to third party electronic devices. They 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

For non-emergencies, report through our Online Reporting service or call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

You can also report 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.