Victoria Police is urging motorists to take preventative measures and ensure their vehicles are locked – even when parked at home – after the suspected leaders of another car theft gang were arrested.
Two Sunbury men – who were on bail – were among four people accused of stealing more than 20 vehicles as part of an alleged operation targeting specific models including the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and a “special” Holden Caprice.
According to Victoria Police, the thefts targeted specific vehicles parked in public spaces in Melbourne’s suburbs, including Footscray, Gisborne, Thomastown, Port Melbourne and Tullamarine.
Police allege the thieves used the same method as a group allegedly responsible for stealing and attempting to export Toyotas in Victoria and Queensland before police in the Sunshine State made seven arrests in December 2025.
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Using this method, “third-party key reprogramming devices” are increasingly accessing vehicles via their CAN bus port, essentially giving thieves control, including the ability to disable anti-theft systems and even stop satellite tracking.
Toyota has introduced a new steering wheel lock for its LandCruiser 300 series in response to previous thefts, but is working on further measures to make its vehicles more difficult to steal.
Ten of the 21 vehicles recovered were found when Victoria Police searched a property in the northern Melbourne suburb of Wildwood. During subsequent raids, additional vehicles as well as false and stolen license plates were seized.
Tools allegedly used in the thefts were also reportedly found, including a window regulator, “multiple electronic devices,” several sets of keys, cash, drugs – and a Bobcat excavator.
The 34 and 35-year-old Sunbury men believed to be behind the operation have been charged with 60 offenses including multiple counts of burglary, theft in and out of a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, recklessly endangering police by driving and multiple counts of committing an indictable offense while in custody on bail.
Two more Wildwood men have been charged with handling stolen goods.
In a statement, Victoria Police urged vehicle owners to consider a range of anti-theft and prevention measures, including an on-board diagnostic (OBD) lock to prevent third-party key programming devices from being connected to a vehicle.
Police also called for additional measures such as off-street parking and ensuring vehicles are locked even when parked at home.
“With the proliferation of technology making it easier to steal cars, we encourage all car owners to take precautions to reduce the likelihood of car theft,” said Hume CIU Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Joe Hartwig.
MORE: Toyota says there is “no update” as it relates to tackling HiLux and LandCruiser thefts
