A small wireless gadget is being used to break into people’s cars in Melbourne, with police reporting a staggering amount of the devices seized over the last year.
More than 900 “key cloning” devices have been confiscated by Victoria Police, with the majority seized during raids and intercepts of suspicious vehicles in Melbourne’s North West Metro policing region.
Almost half of the devices have been found in the Melton, Whittlesea and Hume police service areas.
Police have estimated more than 10,000 vehicles are stolen each year thanks to the small gadgets, which are able to intercept and replicate signals sent by car keys, essentially creating another set of keys without the vehicle owner ever realising.
Vehicle crime squad Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald said car theft was a “significant concern” for both police and the community.
“In the past year police have seized more than 900 key cloning devices from car thieves across the state – a stark reminder that offenders are turning to this technology to commit their offending,” she said.
“Car thieves only need one opportunity. We’re urging motorists to take away the opportunity and protect their vehicle.
“Simple steps can make a real difference. Installing an on-board diagnostic port lock and using a steering wheel lock can add an extra layer of protection and always make sure your vehicle is locked, even when home.”
Other recommendations include using off-street parking, and placing your car keys in specialist signal-blocking bags when they aren’t in use.
At-risk vehicles include push-start Toyotas and Subarus, and stolen vehicles can be checked and reported through the Victoria Police website.