14/05/2026
Police are urging car owners to install anti-theft measures after new data reveals around a third of cars stolen this year have been taken by thieves using key mimicking devices.
The devices allow thieves to override car security systems and steal them without needing keys.
Police intelligence shows up to 30 per cent of cars stolen in Warrnambool this year may have been taken by thieves using the devices.
The local trends mirror what’s being seen statewide - with 10,000 of the 30,000 cars stolen in 2025 believed to have been taken this way.
Across the state, Toyota Landcruisers, Toyota Corollas, Hiluxs, and Rav 4s are among the most targeted vehicles by tech savvy thieves, as well as Holden Commodores and Subaru Imprezas.
Only last month, Hamilton detectives arrested a man and woman following a series of alleged car thefts across Victoria’s south-west and the Limestone Coast of southeast South Australia.
It will be alleged they used key-mimicking devices to steal up to 21 cars between January and March this year.
19 cars were located, with six completely destroyed.
The man, aged 28, was arrested on 23 April. Police located a cloning device allegedly in his possession, as well as other stolen property.
He was charged with 21 charges including theft of motor vehicle and going equipped to steal. He was remanded to appear before court on 14 May.
The 21-year-old woman was charged with 15 charges including theft of motor vehicle and handling stolen goods. She was remanded to appear before court on 7 July.
To help prevent thefts, police are urging owners of vehicles to look at a range of preventative measures to help deter thieves, including an on-board diagnostic port lock which prevents an offender connecting a reprogramming device to your vehicle.
A full list of anti-theft measures can be found on the Victoria Police website: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/preventing-motor-vehicle-theft.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour around parked vehicles should report it to police via Triple Zero (000).
For any non-urgent reports call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
If you have information about a stolen car, report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
