Car theft is on the rise, driven by thieves using sophisticated technology to bypass vehicle security in minutes.
Offenders are using devices that can intercept key fob signals, access onboard computers and even reprogram vehicles on the spot.
Taking proactive measures – like upgrading your security, parking smart and staying alert – can significantly reduce your risk and help stop car theft before it happens.
Match the Anti-Theft Device with Its Description
Step 1: Tap an image.
Step 2: Tap the matching description.
OBD Port Lock
Remote Battery Switch
Steering Wheel Lock
RFID/Faraday Bag
Install Anti-Theft Devices
Keeping your vehicle secure and parking in well-lit areas significantly reduces its appeal to opportunistic thieves. Even small habits can have a big impact-make it second nature to lock and check your car every time you step away.
A moment of caution can prevent the cost and stress of theft.
Faraday Bag
OBD Port Lock
Engine Immobiliser
Key Mistakes to Avoid
Steering Wheel Lock
Park Smart
Level Up Your Car Security
Strong car security habits make a real difference. Always lock your vehicle, park in well-lit areas, remove valuables from sight and use visible deterrents like steering wheel locks or anti-theft number plate screws. These small actions can significantly reduce your risk.
Faraday Bag
Faraday bags are lined with a material
capable of blocking electromagnetic
fields, preventing the key fob signal
from being boosted or replicated.
On-Board Diagnostics Port Lock
OBD port locks fit over the OBD port to
prevent offenders from connecting a
reprogramming device to your vehicle.
Park Smart
Park in well-lit, busy areas whenever
possible and choose spots with
CCTV coverage to make your car
a less appealing target.
Key Mistakes to Avoid
Always lock your car, even if you’re
only stepping away for a moment,
and double-check that all doors
and windows are secure.
Steering Wheel Lock
Steering wheel locks prevent
the steering wheel from being
turned. They also act as a
deterrent to thieves.
Engine Immobiliser
Devices that are installed in
vehicles to obstruct engines
from starting unless the
correct key or electronic
signal is present.
I think my car, or something from within my car, has been stolen. What do I do?
If your car is stolen, stay safe. Don’t try to stop the thief. Call the police right away and tell your insurance company.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). For less urgent help, call the Police Assistance Line 131 444 or report confidentially to us online or by calling 1800 333 000.
When you report the theft, have details ready like your number plate, car make, model, year, colour, VIN numbers and any special features.
If your car has a tracker, you may be able to find it with a phone app. Police might ask to use this to help get your car back.
If your car is stolen, stay safe. Don’t try to stop the thief. Call the police right away and tell your insurance company.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). For less urgent help, call the Police Assistance Line 131 444 or report confidentially to us online or by calling 1800 333 000.
When you report the theft, have details ready like your number plate, car make, model, year, colour, VIN numbers and any special features.
If your car has a tracker, you may be able to find it with a phone app. Police might ask to use this to help get your car back.
Share What You've Seen
If you have information, dashcam footage or CCTV footage that could assist, report anonymously to Crime Stoppers anytime online.
Remember: You are in control of how much information you share, and you can choose to be anonymous.
Contact Victoria Police if the situation is urgent and requires immediate police attendance.
Safe Car Resources
What to do if your motor vehicle is stolen and how to make a report to Victoria Police.
Download checklist
Download poster
Campaign statistics and information correct as of August 2025.