Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police are urging community members to take an active role in protecting their vehicles, as part of a new statewide campaign targeting a sharp rise in car thefts driven by thieves using new sophisticated technologies.

The “Level Up Against Car Theft” campaign empowers the community with practical steps to reduce their risk of car theft and to report suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers.

The campaign responds to dramatic increases in motor vehicle crime across the state.

In the year to March 2025, 31,551 vehicles were stolen in Victoria, a 47.1 per cent increase year on year.

Thefts from vehicles also rose sharply, reaching 82,414 offences, a 39.3 per cent jump from the previous year.

In Wangaratta, there was a 16 per cent increase in motor vehicles stolen after 50 were taken in the previous year, while 125 thefts from vehicle offences were recorded, four less than last year.

Makes such as Holdens, Toyotas and Subarus are being stolen at three to four times the rate recorded five years ago.

Offenders are increasingly targeting vehicles with keyless entry and push-start systems, using devices that mimic or override factory settings.

While police are actively pursuing offenders, vehicle owners have an important role to play in prevention.

The campaign encourages the use of straightforward anti-theft items such as OBD port locks, steering wheel locks, Faraday pouches, and anti-theft number plate screws, which are small investments that can make a big difference.

Chief executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria, Stella Smith, said vehicle crime is no longer just random or opportunistic.

“Car crime might seem like bad luck, but in many cases, it is calculated and preventable,” she said.

“That is why we are urging Victorians to take simple, proactive steps.

“Locking your car, parking in safer spots, removing valuables, and using anti-theft devices can all make a real difference.”

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald, from the Vehicle Crime Squad, said police are arresting a significant number of offenders in possession of key reprogramming devices, as police intelligence shows as many as one in five of all cars are disappearing despite their owners retaining the keys – indicating the use of this technology.

“These devices are turning up more and more at search warrants, while we’ve also seen some of our most prolific youth offenders using them to steal cars that are then used to facilitate further serious offending,” she said.

“In recent times, our units have caught youth offenders throwing these devices from the car moments before being arrested.

“One of the biggest concerns for police is the increasing risk created on our roads as the number of stolen cars rises.

“These vehicles are often driven at extreme speeds, and as a result, we’ve seen a sharp spike in the number of collisions involving stolen cars, with 760 in the 12 months to March 2025.

“Police are continuing to target car thieves, as well as engaging with impacted manufacturers to address these technological advances, however, we also implore the community to consider how they can foil tech savvy thieves.”

Ms Smith said Crime Stoppers provides a trusted and anonymous platform for people to share what they know.

What to do if you see something suspicious:

• For emergencies or life-threatening situations, always call 000.

• If you have information, dashcam footage or CCTV footage that could assist, report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or 1800 333 000.