Victoria's car theft crisis: Brokers warn of high-tech heists

Victoria is facing a car theft crisis that sets it apart from the rest of Australia, with the latest Crime Statistics Agency figures revealing a dramatic surge — vehicle thefts have jumped by more than 40% across the state. The iconic Holden Commodore leads the list as the most stolen vehicle in Victoria over the past year, with thefts soaring by more than 80% to 1,683 cases. The next four most popular targets are all Toyota models, including classics the Camry and Land Cruiser.

However, one thing common to all six states is the increasing use by thieves of electromagnetic-blocking devices that mimic push-button ignition devices on keyless cars. These sophisticated tools pick up the signal from a key fob placed near a door, window, or exterior wall in a person’s home and trick the car into thinking the key is nearby, allowing offenders to steal it without needing to break into the owner’s home and take their keys.

Read more: Victoria tops nation in rising car theft claims

Cynthia Yap (pictured), managing director of Dynamic Insurance Services, said this is a serious issue that affects claim volume and represents a growing risk area, particularly for high-value vehicles, luxury models, and those with keyless entry systems.

“Vehicle theft has evolved and it’s no longer just about breaking in physically but about technology-based theft which is harder for the average motorist to anticipate,” she said.

Yap reached out to other motor specialist brokers in her network who also said that a significant proportion of recent thefts appear linked to imitation or cloned keys. Insurers and investigators, she said, increasingly believe imitation keys play a role in many of these modern thefts.

Read next: How can brokers help improve motor fleet safety culture?

“The technology criminals use now allows them to copy a key signal or intercept it using a relay device - it’s quick, quiet and often leaves little trace,” she said.

Yap said the patterns are consistent: locked vehicles are disappearing without evidence of break-in.

Broker tips to bring down car thefts

The managing director offered safety tips that brokers could share with motor clients to help bring down the risk of this high-tech car theft:

1. Store keys away from entry points – Don’t leave keys near doors or windows where the signal can be intercepted.
2. Use a Faraday pouch or box – These block the signal from key fobs, preventing thieves from cloning them.
3. Install tracking or immobilisation devices – Many insurers offer premium reductions for vehicles fitted with additional anti-theft systems.
4. Be cautious with valet services or car washes – Key information can sometimes be copied in these environments.
5. Park in well-lit, secure areas – Where possible, use garages or monitored parking spaces.
6. Regularly review your insurance coverage – Ensure your policy reflects your vehicle’s true value and includes theft protection for accessories or modifications.

Are you a broker in the motor space? Are you seeing an increase in claims as a result of key fob cloning tools that imitate push-button start mechanisms? Share your experiences and insights as the industry adapts to this new wave of technology-driven vehicle crime.