EYEWATCH Mitchell Police Service Area have issued an urgent warning to vehicle owners, as intelligence reveals tech savvy thieves are behind a surge in car thefts across the state.
Increasing numbers of cars are being stolen—more than 70 per cent from residential streets, driveways, and other community locations—with no associated burglary, robbery or carjacking.
This trend has coincided with third party electronic devices, which are capable of programming or mimicking keys, becoming increasingly available for purchase. Once inside a vehicle, this device can be plugged into the car’s on-board diagnostic port to override the security system and start the engine.
Police intelligence suggests certain makes and models with electronic push start technology are being targeted, given no ignition key is required. Holdens, Subarus, and Toyotas also appear to be heavily targeted.
“We’re urging owners of these vehicles to look at a range of preventative measures to help deter thieves, including an on-board diagnostic port lock which prevents an offender connecting a reprogramming device to your vehicle,” Mitchell Police Service Area said.
“These locks are highly affordable and self-installable.”
In addition to on-board diagnostic (OBD) port locks, remote battery disconnect switches, car alarms, steering wheel locks, including alternative models which attach to your seat belt, digital anti-theft systems, engine immobilisers, on-board diagnostic block or port tracker, RFID (radio frequency identification) blocker or Faraday box/bag for your key fob, generic trackers such as GPS/Bluetooth, keyless digital blockers, and bonnet locks can be used to deter thieves.
As always, police urge the community to take simple steps to stop opportunistic thieves in their tracks, such as locking vehicles even when parked at home, removing value items, and parking in a well-lit area, preferably off the street.
