Car theft reaches record highs in Victoria, shows no signs of slowing

Vehicle theft is at an all-time high in Victoria, and it’s one of the fastest-growing crimes in the state.

Crime data for the 2024 calendar year released today by Victoria Police showed 28,922 stolen vehicle offences were recorded in the state last year, 8432 more than in 2023.

While Victoria Police listed theft from motor vehicles, theft from retail stores and other theft offences as faster-growing due to having a higher increase in the total number of offences, vehicle theft was the crime with the greatest year-on-year percentage increase, skyrocketing by 41.2 per cent.

Stolen vehicle crimes are now at the highest levels in the state since 2002, with the methods employed by thieves also changing.

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Victoria Police data has shown one in five vehicles are stolen without their keys.

Instead, thieves are using an OBD-reading tool intended for mechanics and locksmiths to disable a car’s alarm, delete the original keys paired to the car and then pair a new set of keys, with the only physical requirements for criminals being hacking into the front bumper, disabling the horn and unlocking a door.

This method has been extensively reported on by CarExpert, particularly relating to the sharp increase in thefts of VF Holden Commodores.

While some stolen Commodores are being used to joyride, others are being rebirthed, in which certain identifying features from multiple cars – such as Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and chassis numbers – are being transferred to pass a vehicle off as another vehicle.

As previously reported, temporary deterrents to theft include mechanical devices such as Club Locks and Cop Locks, while a PIN-coded immobiliser and relocated horn could also help reduce the likelihood of your car being stolen.

In addition to Holden Commodores, Victoria Police has also shown thefts of certain Toyota and Subaru vehicles have increased dramatically year-on-year.

Victoria Police last month advised owners to park their vehicles off the street and ensure their vehicles are locked.

“Technology is also playing a part in rising crime, with vehicle thefts sharply increasing as offenders use electronic devices to exploit vehicle security systems and steal cars,” Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said in a media statement.

“Victoria Police continues to engage vehicle manufacturers around this issue, while vehicle owners can protect themselves from falling victim by installing cheap and easy crime prevention measures.”

Former Holden parent General Motors Australia and New Zealand (GMANZ) previously told CarExpert it’s “aware of reports of vehicle thefts where offenders are misusing an aftermarket locksmith’s tool sold for general vehicle use”.

“The purchase of this tool is currently unregulated.”

Last year, 75,731 theft from motor vehicle offences were recorded in Victoria, an increase of 18,929 offences or one-third more than the year prior.

According to Victoria Police, 27,466 number plate theft offences were recorded, with the stolen items allegedly used to “carry out further serious offending in stolen vehicles”.

Police have urged “the community to always lock their cars, remove valuables, and park off street where possible”, with 55 per cent of all theft from motor vehicles showing no signs of forced entry.

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