Victoria Police have issued a major car theft warning to Toyota and Subaru owners after seizing more than 900 electronic key-cloning devices across the state over the past year. Authorities estimate that criminals are using sophisticated electronic technology to steal more than 10,000 vehicles annually, equivalent to nearly 30 cars every day.
The warning comes as police intensify patrols around Melbourne’s residential streets and railway station car parks, with officers distributing security advice and contacting owners of potentially vulnerable vehicles.
Popular models including the Toyota Corolla, LandCruiser, HiLux and RAV4, alongside the Subaru Impreza and Holden Commodore, are among those identified by police. The concern is that certain electronic theft methods allow criminals to steal vehicles without obtaining the owners’ original keys.
Victoria Police Seize More Than 900 Key-Cloning Devices
The scale of the problem is reflected in police seizure figures covering the previous 12 months. More than 900 electronic key-cloning devices were recovered during search warrants and vehicle intercepts.
Melbourne’s north-western suburbs accounted for 43% of seizures, particularly around Melton, Whittlesea and Hume.
Another 23% were recovered in the Southern Metro region, 21% in the Eastern region and 11% in the Western region. These figures represent where devices were seized, rather than the exact distribution of vehicle thefts.
In an official Victoria Police announcement, authorities outlined their efforts to tackle electronic vehicle theft and warned motorists about security vulnerabilities.
The estimate of nearly 30 daily thefts refers specifically to vehicles reportedly stolen using electronic technology, rather than all car thefts recorded across Victoria.
Toyota, Subaru and Holden Cars Among Targeted Models
Police have highlighted several popular vehicle models in connection with the electronic theft problem:
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota LandCruiser
- Toyota HiLux
- Toyota RAV4
- Subaru Impreza
- Holden Commodore
Vehicles equipped with push-button ignition systems are among those attracting particular attention because some theft techniques exploit weaknesses in electronic authentication or key-programming systems.
However, the police warning does not mean every model year or variant has the same security vulnerability. Owners should check the security features fitted to their particular vehicle and whether manufacturer updates are available.
How Electronic Key-Cloning Devices Bypass Vehicle Security
Modern vehicles use electronic authentication systems to recognise authorised keys. Some criminals exploit weaknesses in these systems using devices capable of mimicking electronic credentials or programming replacement keys.
One possible access point is the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic port, normally used by mechanics to identify faults and service electronic components.
Police recommend installing compatible diagnostic-port locks to reduce opportunities for unauthorised electronic access.
Physical security devices, including steering-wheel locks, can provide another obstacle even when electronic systems are compromised.
Toyota Introduces $1,735 Secondary Immobiliser
Toyota Australia has introduced a factory-approved secondary immobiliser for the LandCruiser 300 and LandCruiser Prado 250, priced at A$1,735 including installation through Toyota dealerships.
The additional security system requires a separate electronic fob to be within range before the vehicle can start.
It also includes a battery-backed siren designed to sound if someone interferes with the vehicle, including attempts to disconnect its main power supply.
Toyota has confirmed that new HiLux, LandCruiser 300 and Prado 250 vehicles received security upgrades in 2025, with similar improvements being introduced on other newer models, including the latest RAV4.
In a September statement, Toyota said it was unaware of Australian thefts involving sophisticated electronic devices targeting vehicles equipped with its latest security enhancements.
The manufacturer is investigating similar immobilisers for other models but has cautioned that no security system can guarantee complete protection against theft.
Toyota has also called for restrictions on devices used to facilitate vehicle theft and tighter regulation of legitimate automotive diagnostic equipment used by mechanics and locksmiths.
Melbourne Owner Devastated After Rare Mitsubishi Stolen
The personal impact of vehicle theft has been highlighted by South Morang resident Michael Hocking, whose rare Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition was stolen from outside his home in the early hours of October 5.
Hocking had travelled to Cairns to purchase the special-edition sports car two years earlier after dreaming of owning one since childhood.
He subsequently invested considerable time and thousands of dollars restoring and maintaining the vehicle, intending to keep it permanently.
When the Mitsubishi disappeared, his original keys were still inside his home.
Several circumstances complicated attempts to locate the vehicle. A neighbour’s CCTV camera overlooking the driveway had been removed about a week before the theft following a privacy complaint.
His father’s dashcam had stopped working, while the thieves had apparently discovered the vehicle’s primary tracking device.
A backup tracker hidden inside the Mitsubishi had also run out of battery.
Hocking said comparable vehicles had increased in value by approximately A$20,000 to A$30,000 since he purchased his car, making replacement difficult even with an insurance payout.
He expressed concern that the vehicle could be damaged if driven recklessly but said he still wanted to know what had happened to it.
The precise method used to steal Hocking’s Mitsubishi has not been confirmed.
Police Increase Patrols Around Melbourne Railway Stations
Victoria Police have launched a prevention campaign combining vehicle inspections, pamphlet distribution, direct conversations with motorists and warning letters sent to owners.
During patrols around Ringwood railway station, officers checked vehicle doors and windows, looked for valuables left in plain sight and distributed security advice.
Police also recorded registration details of vehicles considered potentially vulnerable, including unlocked cars and certain Toyota and Subaru models fitted with push-button ignition systems.
Those details could then be used to send safety warnings directly to registered owners.
Transit East Local Area Commander Inspector Jacinta Hanscomb said police were conducting proactive patrols in known hotspots and contacting motorists directly to improve vehicle security.
Vehicle Crime Squad Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald urged drivers to remove opportunities for thieves by adopting additional security precautions.
The prevention campaign comes amid wider concerns about vehicle-related crime in Melbourne. A separate Monash Freeway police operation following a Brighton East burglary involved stolen vehicles and multiple arrests. Police have not linked that incident to the latest key-cloning seizures.
Victoria Police Report Around 80% of Stolen Vehicles Recovered
Victoria Police say approximately 80% of stolen vehicles were recovered over the previous year.
However, that recovery rate does not establish how many vehicles were returned undamaged, required repairs or resulted in insurance claims.
Police have also introduced an online stolen-vehicle checker, allowing members of the public to enter a vehicle’s registration, make and model to determine whether it has been reported stolen.
Anyone who identifies a suspected stolen vehicle should contact police rather than attempting to confront those involved.
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Security Advice for Toyota and Subaru Owners
Police are encouraging motorists to take practical steps to reduce the risk of electronic vehicle theft.
- Install an OBD port lock: A compatible diagnostic-port lock can restrict unauthorised access to vehicle electronics.
- Use a steering-wheel lock: A visible physical barrier can discourage opportunistic theft.
- Park securely: Use a locked garage where possible and avoid leaving vehicles in poorly secured locations.
- Lock doors and windows: Check the vehicle is secured even when parked at home.
- Protect vehicle keys: Keep keys in a secure location and away from easy access.
- Check manufacturer updates: Ask an authorised dealership about available security improvements.
- Maintain tracking equipment: Check that installed trackers are operating and backup batteries are charged.
- Never leave engines running unattended: Even brief periods can create opportunities for theft.
Owners of rare, modified or high-value vehicles should also consider reviewing their insurance coverage and maintaining current photographs and records of their vehicles.
Police recommend using several layers of security rather than relying on a single electronic or physical protection system.
Reporting a Stolen Vehicle in Victoria
Motorists who discover their vehicle has been stolen should report the incident to police promptly and provide the registration number, vehicle identification details and any available tracking information.
Non-emergency incidents can be reported through the Victoria Police Assistance Line on 131 444. Anyone witnessing a crime in progress or facing an immediate emergency should call 000.
The warning comes as Australian authorities continue responding to vehicle-related incidents, including the separate Wallsend crowd crash involving Newcastle Knights supporters. That incident was unrelated to electronic vehicle theft.
For Toyota and Subaru owners, the latest police campaign highlights the importance of reviewing existing security arrangements, particularly as criminals develop new methods to interfere with vehicle protection systems.
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