What are key reprogramming devices, and are they driving a rise in car thefts in Australia?

The Guardian

27-02-2025

A rising number of Australians are walking to their driveways or a car park to find their car has 'simply vanished' without their keys being stolen.
Police say as cars have evolved to be 'computers on wheels' – with electronic keyless entry rather than an ignition key – new ways have emerged for thieves to exploit security systems.
This is mainly done using key reprogramming devices. They have been widely used to steal cars in the UK and US for several years, and it's increasingly worrying Australian authorities.
Victorian police say the state is experiencing a level of car theft not seen since 2003 – back when cars could be hotwired. Here's what you need to know.
The heist involves using a simple gadget that can be bought on Amazon. When an electronic fob is inside a house but still within range of the car, the device can intercept the wireless connection and mimic the car key's signal to unlock the vehicle.
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'It was considered impossible to steal a car this way as little as two years ago,' Victoria police DI Julie MacDonald says.
'However, offenders are now using these devices like a modern-day screwdriver to steal cars.'
Victoria police say their intelligence suggests one in five stolen cars in the state have been taken using a key reprogramming device.
Queensland police warned last year that gadgets could be used to scan and copy electronic car keys – as well as stealing credit card information and opening electronic garages or house doors.
Victoria police on Thursday revealed that in the past 12 months, car thefts had almost doubled for certain makes and models. This included:
Holden thefts increased by 92.9% (+1,377) in the 12 months to January 2025. This was specific to Commodores manufactured between 2013 and 2017.
Toyota thefts increased by 76.4% (+1,391). This was specific to the following makes: Hiluxes made between 2016 and 2023, Landcruisers made from 2008 to 2021, Camrys made from 2014 to 2017, Prados made from 2012 to 2022, Rav4s made from 2019 to 2024, 86s made from 2012 to 2017 and C-HRs made from 2017 to 2020.
Subaru thefts increased by 107.8% (+402). This was specific to the following makes: Impreza/WRX made from 2015 to 2018, Outbacks made from 2015 to 2018, XVs made from 2014 to 2018 and Levorgs made from 2016 to 2017.
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'Be alert, but not alarmed,' says Nigel Phair, a cybercrime expert at the University of New South Wales. 'A lot of people park out the front of the house, dump the keys in a bowl at the front door, and that's where they come unstuck.'
He suggests people leave their keys further than 10 metres from their car and place them in a drawer. He also suggests using an RFID pouch – which blocks the wireless connection between the fob and the car. Keys can be placed in the pouch when the car is not being used.
There's also the option of reverting to old-school manual methods, he says.
'Some people are going back to using wheel locks because people can just get in the car so easily.'
Victoria police suggest drivers seek advice on what could work best for their car model.
'We strongly encourage owners of impacted cars to consider all possible methods to improve their vehicle's security – there are a range of auto shops and websites that stock these anti-theft products and staff can assist with advising you on what will best suit your vehicle,' MacDonald says.
'Vehicle owners can also speak with manufacturers or their insurance agents for further advice.'