Crime Statistics Agency data revealed that 33,212 vehicles had been stolen in the year to September 2025, showing more than a quarter of all vehicle thefts were likely to be stolen with the aid of key-mimicking or cloning technology that overrides car security systems.
Popular makes and models with push-start ignitions are being targeted in increasing numbers.
Owners have reported their vehicles vanishing from residential streets and other community areas — without any robbery, burglary or carjacking taking place — while they have retained their keys.
“Our intelligence estimates as many as 30 cars are being stolen using key cloning technology in Victoria every day,” Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said.
Last year, Victoria Police seized 800 key-cloning devices.
“Key-cloning devices are showing up more and more frequently at search warrants and during intercepts of suspicious vehicles,” Deputy Commissioner Hill said.
“There is no doubt this methodology is rife in the criminal world, and as a community, we need to work together to reduce car theft.”
In 2022, 89 Toyota LandCruisers were stolen in circumstances police say technological theft was likely.
In 2024, 241 LandCruisers disappeared in similar circumstances, while last year that number multiplied more than three and a half times, to 846.
Toyota Corollas, HiLuxs and Rav 4s are also among the most targeted vehicles, as well as Holden Commodores and Subaru Imprezas.
Victoria Police is working with impacted manufacturers on the issue, but says car owners can take steps to further protect their property, including always locking vehicles even when at home.
“The best thing you can do is park your car off the street and install anti-theft devices, such as OBD (on-board diagnostic) port locks, to reduce your chances of falling victim,” Deputy Commissioner Hill said.
An OBD port lock is a metal protective cover that screws over a vehicle’s diagnostic port to prevent thieves from connecting a reprogramming device to the vehicle.
The self-installable theft deterrents, which require a specialised tool or key for removal, cost around $100.
Victoria Police reported that it recovered around 80 per cent of vehicles stolen each year.
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