Police are urging car owners to install anti-theft measures after several cars were stolen in Shepparton last week using electronic devices.
It’s believed the devices, which program or mimic car keys, were used to break in and steal at least three Holden Commodores from the area. Two were stolen from public carparks in Shepparton, while the third was stolen from a residential driveway in Kialla. Two vehicles, while extensively damaged, were recovered by police in under two days.
Holden Commodores, as well as certain other makes and models with electronic push start technology are currently being stolen two to three times more often than the five-year average. Statewide police intelligence conservatively estimates as many as one in five of all cars are disappearing despite their owners retaining the keys.
While these devices are not illegal to own, Victoria Police has seized more than 800 across the state in the past year from individuals arrested for stealing cars.
Car owners are being encouraged by police to install anti-theft measures such as on-board diagnostic port locks, while officers continue to engage with impacted manufacturers and insurers to help turn the tide.
Simple measures such as parking your vehicle off the street and always ensuring your vehicle is locked, even when at home, are also worth their weight in gold.
The investigation into the recent thefts remains ongoing, and police are working to determine if they are linked.
As part of their enquiries, detectives have released CCTV of the theft in Kialla on Saturday, November 15. It’s understood an unknown offender walked up to a driveway on Waranga Drive and stole a red 2016 Holden VF Commodore sedan about 3am. The vehicle was later recovered in Tatura the next day.
Detectives have also released an image of another red Holden Commodore sedan which is believed to have been stolen from a Shepparton carpark on November 19. This vehicle is yet to be recovered.
Anyone who recognises the people pictured is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
