Newest statistics from police show that 21 per cent of these were seized in the eastern region, which covers the majority of the eastern half of the state and includes Greater Shepparton, Mitchell, Benalla and Wangaratta policing areas.
Police intelligence reveals that 43 per cent of these devices were seized by police at search warrants and during intercepts of suspicious vehicles in the north-west metro region.
The remainder of the devices were sized in southern metro region (23 per cent), followed by the eastern region (21 per cent) and the western region (11 per cent).
Police estimate more than 10,000 vehicles are stolen using these key cloning devices each year — equating to 30 cars being taken in this way every day across the state.
Thieves are using the mimicking and cloning technology to override car security systems, with popular makes and models with push start ignitions the main targets.
Toyota Corollas, Toyota LandCruisers, Holden Commodores, HiLuxs, Rav 4s and Subaru Imprezas are among the most targeted vehicles by car thieves, police said.
Police advice to car owners includes installing an on-board diagnostic port lock, which prevents offenders connecting a reprogramming device to a vehicle.
Police also recommend using a steering wheel lock and parking your vehicle off the street and in a garage if possible.
Vehicles should always be locked, even if parked at home, and never left running unattended.
Throughout the state, police have recovered about 80 per cent of cars stolen in the past year.
People can now check if a car is stolen at police.vic.gov.au/stolen-vehicle-check-victoria
The public can enter the registration, make and model of a suspicious vehicle to check if it is listed as stolen and then report its location to police.
Vehicle Crime Squad Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald said the number of car thefts by using cloning devices in the past year was a “stark reminder that offenders are turning to this technology to commit their offending”.
“Car thieves only need one opportunity,” she said.
“We’re urging motorists to take away that opportunity and protect their vehicle.
“Simple steps can make a real difference.”
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