Victoria Police is urging motorists to take preventative measures and ensure their vehicles are locked – even when parked at home – after it arrested the alleged ringleaders of yet another car theft ring.
Two men from Sunbury – who were on bail – were among four people accused of stealing more than 20 vehicles in an alleged operation targeting specific models including the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and a “custom” Holden Caprice.
According to Victoria Police, the thefts targeted specific vehicles parked in public places across Melbourne suburbs including Footscray, Gisborne, Thomastown, Port Melbourne and Tullamarine.
Police allege the thieves employed the same method used by a ring alleged to be responsible for the theft and attempted export of Toyotas in Victoria and Queensland, before police in the Sunshine State made seven arrests in December 2025.
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In a growing trend, the method sees ‘third-party key reprogramming devices’ access vehicles via their CAN bus port, which essentially gives thieves control, including the ability to disable anti-theft systems and even stop satellite tracking.
Toyota introduced a new steering wheel lock for its LandCruiser 300 Series in response to previous thefts, but is working on other steps to make stealing its vehicles more difficult.
Ten of the 21 vehicles recovered were found when Victoria Police searched a property in the northern Melbourne suburb of Wildwood, with more vehicles as well as false and stolen number plates recovered in subsequent raids.
Tools allegedly used in the thefts were also reportedly found, including a window breaker, ‘multiple electronic devices’, multiple sets of keys, cash, drugs – and a Bobcat digger.
The 34- and 35-year-old Sunbury men believed to be behind the operation have been charged with 60 offences, including multiple counts of burglary, theft of and from a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, recklessly exposing police to risk by driving, and multiple counts of committing an indictable offence while on bail.
A further two 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 preventative measures, including an on-board diagnostic (OBD) lock to block third-party key programming devices from being connected to a vehicle.
Police also encouraged additional steps such as off-street parking and ensuring vehicles are locked, even when parked at home.
“With the prevalence of technology making it easier to steal cars, we encourage all car owners to take precautions to help lower the chances of having your car stolen,” said Hume CIU Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Joe Hartwig.
MORE: Toyota says it has “no update” as it works to combat HiLux, LandCruiser thefts