Increasingly tech savvy thieves are using third-party devices like “modern-day screwdrivers” to steal cars at record rates without ever obtaining the keys, Victoria Police has warned.

Car thefts are at their highest level in Victoria since 2003, with certain makes and models stolen at more than double the rate they were in the previous year.

In a statement, Victoria Police has attributed these surging rates to the growing prevalence of tech devices that allow individuals to unlock and start a key without needing to obtain the physical keys.

“Increasing numbers of cars are being stolen from residential streets, driveways and other community locations, where no associated burglary, robbery or carjacking takes place,” Victoria Police said.

Third-party electronic devices which can be programmed to mimic keys are increasingly available to be purchased by thieves and can then be plugged into a car’s board diagnostic port to override its security system and start the engine.

This has been uncovered in recent years in other countries and has become increasingly prevalent in Australia, the police warned.

“Police believe this methodology is well-known among criminal circles and being used extensively, hence today’s public warning.”

‘Modern-day screwdriver’

In the year to September 2024, just under 26,000 vehicles were stolen in Victoria, an increase of more than 33 per cent from the previous year.

“Modern day cars are akin to computers on wheels and while this comes with plenty of benefits, it also creates opportunity for offenders,” Victoria Police vehicle crime squad detective inspector Julie MacDonald said.

“It was considered impossible to steal a car this way as little as two years ago.

“However, offenders are now using these devices like a modern-day screwdriver to steal cars.”

Specific makes and models of vehicles with electronic push start technology are being targeted with these tech-based thefts.

In Victoria, the theft of Holden Commodores manufactured between 2013 and 2017 have jumped by more than 90 per cent in the last year, with 1.7 times as many of these vehicles stolen in the last year compared to the rolling five-year average.

Toyota Hilux and Landcrusier thefts are also up significantly, with an increase of more than 75 per cent in the last year, while the Subaru Impreza 2015-2018, Outback 2015-2018, XV 2014-2018 and Levorg 2016-2017 are also at risk.

How to protect your car

Police recommended that owners of these makes and models investigate the installation of onboard diagnostic port locks and to park off-street if possible, while Victoria Police is working with the manufacturers on a solution to the issue.

“While police will continue to be out in force targeting car thieves every day and every night, we also encourage the community to take the necessary steps to prevent themselves becoming a victim of crime,” Victoria Police inspector Scott Dwyer said.

“On the frontline, it’s become clear these devices are well understood and frequently used by offenders.

“They are showing up more and more at search warrants and offenders are admitting they are using them during arrest interviews.”

These arrests include in January when a number of people were brought into custody after stolen cars and blank vehicle key fobs were discovered, and a car thief who moments before being taken into custody was seen attempting to throw out one of the tech devices into a bin.

The growing embedding of tech in cars has come with a number of security concerns.

Back in 2020 a security researcher discovered he could steal a Tesla Model X using just its Bluetooth.

In 2023 Ford filed a US patent for a self-repossessing car that could drive itself back to the dealership if the owner missed a repayment.