Car theft in Victoria is the highest it’s been in over two decades, increasing by almost 100 per cent over the past three years alone.
With over 32,000 vehicles stolen in the state last year, car theft has reached its highest levels in a calendar year since 2001.
The number of cars being stolen in the Garden State has risen by 96.9 per cent over the past three years.
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Popular vehicles such as the Holden Commodore, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota LandCruiser, Corolla, HiLux and RAV4 have become increasingly popular targets for thieves.
A total of 485 Commodores were stolen in 2022, rising each year to reach 1345 stolen examples in 2024. This dropped slightly in 2025 to 1271 vehicles.
However, thefts of these other models have continued to grow. The LandCruiser leapt from 89 stolen vehicles in 2202 to 846 in 2025, the RAV4 jumped from 47 to 467 examples, the HiLux from 140 to 592, and the Subaru Impreza rose from 31 stolen vehicles to 445.
According to Victoria Police, “analysis suggests positive signs are beginning to emerge, with overall crime starting to stabilise after several years of sharp increases”.
“However, the same analysis forecasts any major reduction in overall crime is unlikely to be imminent, given ongoing issues such as the cost of living, recidivism, and the increased use of technology in offending,” Victoria Police says in its release.
Victoria Police confirmed earlier this week that key cloning devices – easily purchased online and used to override in-built car security systems – are now being used for between 30 and 40 per cent of all car thefts.
It seized around 800 of these devices last year during the execution of search warrants, and says as many as 30 cars are being stolen using this technology every day.
These onboard diagnostic tools plug into a port beneath the dashboard to allow the ignition to come on.
The deputy commissioner told the ABC approximately 80 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered by police, but often after they had been used by thieves to conduct another crime. Some stolen vehicles are also exported whole or cut up for parts.
“While it’s heartening that crime appears to be stabilising, it will take time before offending reduces to levels more traditionally seen in Victoria,” said Bob Hill, Regional Operations deputy commissioner.
Despite authorities claiming to recover the majority of stolen vehicles each year, Victoria Police recommends that the community explore a “range of preventative measures to help deter thieves”. This includes a cheap on-board diagnostic (OBD) port lock, intended to prevent a thief from plugging a cloning device into a vehicle.
Other methods include fitting items such as steering wheel locks, however, thieves can easily circumvent these deterrents, as shown in a more recent video on the CarExpert YouTube channel. A more secure anti-theft option is having an aftermarket immobiliser installed by a professional, but this may affect new-vehicle warranties.
Police also recommend parking your vehicle off-street and always ensuring it is locked, even when at home.
“Victoria Police continues to bolster the number of police in the community so our officers can deter and prevent crime,” said Deputy Commissioner Hill.
MORE: Key cloning tech a major factor in Victorian car theft epidemic, police say
