Victoria Police has issued warning to vehicle owners after the rising rate of thefts where the diagnostic port is used to access the car.
Victoria Police reported there had been a surge in car thefts across the state, where one in five are stolen from residential streets, driveways, and other community locations, where no associated burglary, robbery, or carjacking takes place.
Police report most commonly in these thefts, the owner reported to police they still had the keys while the car had simply vanished.
Third party electronic devices, which are capable of programming or mimicking keys, are being used to get in and once inside the vehicle, the device is plugged into the cars on-board diagnostic port to override the security system and start the engine.
Police want owners to consider preventative measures, including an on board diagnostic port lock which prevents an offender connecting a reprogramming device to your vehicle.
Tech savy
Vehicle Crime Squad, Detective Inspector Julie MacDonald says it was a sign new technology in vehicles can with benefits and problems.
“It was considered impossible to steal a car this way as little as two years ago,” she says
“However, offenders are now using these devices like a modern-day screwdriver to steal cars. Vehicle immobilisers were a technology facilitated solution at the turn of the century – the emergence of key programming devices are proving to be a technology facilitated problem.”
Investigations and Response Inspector Scott Dwyer says vehicle owners need to be aware of a new generation of tech savvy thieves.
“On the frontline, it’s become clear these devices are well understood and frequently used by offenders,” he says.
“They are showing up more and more at search warrants and offenders are admitting they are using them during arrest interviews.”
“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. Vehicle owners can also speak with manufacturers or their insurance agents for further advice.”
Victoria Police’s Vehicle Crime Squad has been working with the OEMs, given the devices are being used to exploit specific car electronic security systems and insurance companies are also engaged in the discussions. The surge follows a trend in the US and UK in the use of the devices.
The cars being targeted
Certain makes and models with electronic push start technology are being targeted;
- Holden thefts increased by 92.9% (+1,377) in the twelve months to January 2025, when compared to the previous 12 months, specifically Commodores manufactured between 2013 and 2017.
- Toyota thefts increased by 76.4% (+1,391) in the twelve months to January 2025, compared to the previous twelve months, specifically Hilux (2016 – 2023), Landcruiser (2008 – 2021), Camry (2014 – 2017), Prado (2012 – 2022), Rav4 (2019 – 2024), 86 (2012 – 2017) and C-HR (2017 – 2020).
- Subaru thefts increased by 107.8% (+402) in the twelve months to January 2025, when compared to the previous twelve months. Specifically Impreza/WRX (2015 – 2018), Outback (2015 – 2018), XV (2014 – 2018) and Levorg (2016 – 2017).
Other suggestions;
- Other security tips include parking your vehicle off the street and always ensuring your vehicle is locked, even when at home.
- Police urge drivers to lock their cars and remove items such as garage remotes and car/house keys.
Arrests made
Victoria police also issued a list of recent arrest to show they were acting on the latest surge in thefts.
- On 10 January 2025 at around 10.30am, an owner of a large vacant factory in Wantirna found multiple people within their factory and called police. Officers quickly attended as multiple people attempted to flee on foot. One person drove through a fence in a stolen Renault van to escape, before dumping it in Ringwood East. Another eight alleged offenders were arrested at the scene. Located inside the factory were two stolen cars (including a VF Commodore), OBD re-programmers, and blank vehicle key fobs. Large amounts of methylamphetamine, GHB and cannabis were also uncovered, as well as a handgun. A large number of allegedly stolen power tools were recovered. A 35-year-old Craigieburn man, a 31-year-old Wallan man, a 27-year-old Oakleigh South man, a 34-year-old man of no fixed address, a 23-year-old Deniliquin man, a 28-year-old Badger Creek man and a 23-year-old Mooroolbark woman and a 20-year-old Rowville woman were interviewed in relation to car theft, trafficking methylamphetamine, possessing a handgun, and handling stolen goods. They have been released from custody with an intent to charge on summons. The driver of the allegedly stolen Renault van was arrested on 14 January by Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives. A 23-year-old Clayton man was charged with reckless exposure of police officer to risk by driving, three counts of theft of motor vehicle, criminal damage and driving while disqualified.
- On 10 January 2025 at around 4.10pm, police attempted to intercept a stolen Holden Commodore bearing false plates on Clyde-Five Ways Road in Clyde, before it sped off. Air Wing tracked the vehicle from overhead as it drove erratically and travelled at speeds of up to 150 km/h. Stop sticks were successfully deployed on North Road in Langwarrin. The cars tyres began to disintegrate, and the vehicle was eventually dumped at the Karingal Hub in Frankston. The alleged offender was quickly arrested, while police quickly confirmed the Commodore had been stolen from Casey Central Shopping Centre earlier the same day. Follow up enquiries revealed the owner told police they had retained their car keys and their car was locked. Moments before being arrested, police saw the alleged offender attempt to discard an OBD reprogrammer into a bin. A 34-year-old Nyora man was charged with a range of offences including theft of motor vehicle, going equipped to steal, and dangerous driving while pursued by police. He has been remanded until a later date.
- On 6 November 2024, police arrested a 25-year-old male in Wollert. The male was arrested after his vehicle was involved in an extended follow and stop sticked by police. A search of the male’s vehicle resulted in police locating an OBD reader, 12 sets of car keys, stolen property and a small amount of drugs. The male was charged with 11 offences including theft of motor vehicle and remains remanded.
- On 18 October 2024, police arrested a 24-year-old male and a 22-year-old female in Morwell. The pair were arrested in relation to a series of alleged car thefts targeting Holden Commodores across Sale and Narre Warren. A search of the male’s bedroom found numerous allegedly stolen registration plates and cards linked to 14 car thefts and theft from motor vehicle offences. An OBD device was also found in the room. The pair were charged with a range of offences including four counts of theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, theft and driving offences. Both the ale and female were bailed to appear at a later date.
In the 12 months to September 2024, 25,773 vehicles were stolen in Victoria – 6,408 more than the previous twelve months.
Further information about additional vehicle security measures can be found here
Anyone with information on vehicle theft is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au