The Toyota LandCruiser and HiLux are among the vehicles increasingly targeted by tech-savvy thieves in Victoria, with police warning that electronic key-cloning technology is now being used in a significant proportion of car thefts across the state.

Victoria Police says more than a quarter of all vehicles are now likely stolen using key-cloning technology, allowing offenders to override modern security systems without needing the original keys. Intelligence suggests more than 10,000 vehicles a year may be taken using this method. Motor vehicle theft has escalated rapidly in recent years; according to the Crime Statistics Agency, 33,212 vehicles were stolen in Victoria in the 12 months to September 2025.

“Our intelligence estimates as many as 30 cars are being stolen using key cloning technology in Victoria every day,” said Bob Hill. “Key cloning devices are showing up more and more frequently at search warrants and during intercepts of suspicious vehicles.”

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Police say popular vehicles fitted with push-button start systems are increasingly being targeted, often disappearing from residential streets or public locations without any associated burglary, robbery or carjacking. In many cases, owners report they still had both keys and their vehicle simply vanished.

Toyota models feature prominently among the most targeted vehicles. Police say 846 Toyota LandCruiser vehicles were stolen last year in circumstances suggesting technological theft was likely. That figure has climbed sharply from 241 in 2024 and just 89 three years earlier. Other commonly targeted vehicles include the Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, Toyota HiLux, Holden Commodore and Subaru Impreza.

Victoria Police says it seized about 800 key-cloning or key-reprogramming devices from offenders last year, and the police continues to work with affected manufacturers in response to the growing issue.

“The best thing you can do is park your car off the street and install anti-theft devices, such as OBD port locks, to reduce your chances of falling victim,” added Hill.

Despite the rise in thefts, police say around 80 per cent of stolen vehicles are recovered each year. Authorities are urging owners to consider additional security measures, including installing an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port lock to prevent thieves connecting a reprogramming device to the vehicle.

Toyota also responded to rising vehicle thefts earlier this year by introducing a genuine steering wheel lock as an official accessory in Australia. The device, priced at about $200, is made from automotive-grade steel and uses a four-point contact design to clamp securely to the steering wheel, with anti-tampering features and a bright red finish intended to act as a visible deterrent to thieves.

Suburbs with the highest number of technology-driven vehicle thefts last year included Melbourne, Dandenong, Tarneit, Narre Warren, St Albans, Craigieburn, Southbank, Reservoir, Truganina and Epping. Early 2026 hot spots also include Berwick, Malvern East, Clayton and Glen Waverley.

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