A race against crime

Car security is increasingly high-tech, but crooks are finding new, inventive ways to break in

By Claire Heaney

Forget coat hanger lock picks, hot-wiring and other old-style hacks – today’s car thieves are playing a high-tech game of cat and mouse with manufacturers, police and insurers as they try to outsmart increasingly sophisticated security devices.

The latest Insurance Council of Australia statistics reveal the number of motor vehicle theft claims rose 27% from 22,000 to 28,000 over seven years to 2024.

Based on analysis of Insurance Statistics Australia data, in 2015 the total value of motor vehicle theft claims was $170 million, or $218 million in 2024 dollars.

By last year, the total value was $428 million, up 96% in real terms.

The research doesn’t break down the number of thefts arising from carjackings, theft of keys during burglaries and aggravated burglaries, as opposed to crooks overriding security safeguards.

But, however they occur, the crimes have a knock-on effect, contributing to rising insurance premiums.

In March this year, an ICA policy paper revealed the average cost of a comprehensive motor insurance policy had jumped 42.35% since 2019 to $1052 a year in 2024.

Over five years, the average claim size outpaced inflation, rising 42.2%, partly reflecting the complexity of vehicle technology.

NRMA Insurance research centre manager Shawn Ticehurst says that while car thefts are a drop in the ocean compared with other general insurance claims, the increase is of concern.

He says criminal sophistication continues to evolve and as NRMA – an IAG brand – marks its 100th anniversary, it continues to seek ways to stay ahead of the crooks.

Mr Ticehurst says thieves mostly use two methods: hijacking vehicles’ onboard diagnostic (OBD) ports; and copying keyless entry systems.

The OBD port is a socket, usually under the dashboard, that allows mechanics and technicians to access the car’s central computer to monitor performance and health. Thieves have figured out how to plug in devices that can replicate the key – after they have smashed their way into the vehicle. Such devices are legally available online because they are used in the automotive industry.

Mr Ticehurst says NRMA Insurance is looking at overseas OBD port locks and researching their effectiveness in Australia.

He says another significant risk is the relay attack – thieves hacking keyless systems simply by getting near the fobs that operate them.

They can intercept, amplify and relay the signal from a fob to start the car. Crooks have been known to do this when fobs are carried by their owners or if placed near a property’s front door.

“If the car thieves can walk up to your front door, they have a device which can duplicate the signal from the key.

“The car is tricked into thinking it is the key, and they can open the door, jump in and drive away.”

Mr Ticehurst says deterrents are available. One of the simplest solutions is not to place keys near the front door.

Another option is a Faraday pouch. These might have a canvas or nylon outer, with an inner layer of copper, silver or aluminium mesh. The inner layer blocks electromagnetic signals. These are widely available and cost from about $15.

“Another alternative is good old aluminium foil from the kitchen pantry. Wrapping the key in foil can block the signal.”

Another solution being researched is the so-called sleeping battery – a battery that is dormant if the key does not move for a certain amount of time. After three minutes, for example, a motion sensor will put the battery into sleep mode, meaning it no longer emits a signal, thwarting a relay attack.

Mr Ticehurst says Land Rover has embraced the sleeping battery.

Mr Ticehurst keeps in contact with insurance representatives overseas, especially in Europe.

“I speak regularly with my international colleagues, and it’s clear theft is frequent in France and Spain. It’s a much bigger issue than it is in Australia,” he says.

RACV head of policy James Williams urges vigilance and caution among car owners following the latest Victorian crime statistics.

“Motor vehicle theft has reached its highest point since 2002, with 31,551 reported offences in the 12 months to the end of March 2025, a 47.1% increase on the previous 12 months,” he says.

He says opportunistic thieves will break into a car to take items, and even steal the vehicle itself.

RACV recommends motorists buy OBD port locks.

“These locks, widely available at a variety of different retailers, fit over the OBD port to prevent potential thieves from connecting and re-programming a vehicle,” Mr Williams says.

“Once an OBD lock is fitted, it requires a specific key or code to unlock. These OBD locks are simple to install yourself and come with instructions on how to fit correctly.

RACV says there are more basic steps motorists can take. “If your car is parked at home in a driveway, this doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. Don’t forget to lock the doors, wind up windows and ensure nothing valuable is in plain sight.”

Number plates are among the items most commonly taken from cars. They can be fitted to stolen vehicles and used in crimes including ram raids, fuel theft and burglaries.

RACV suggests installing anti-theft screws to all number plates, removing valuables from cars, locking vehicles, parking in secure places where possible and reviewing insurance policies to ensure coverage.

The Insurance Council of Australia says the industry is aware of growing theft rates.

It points to Victoria, where increased use of OBD devices and keyless entry has driven thefts across a range of models.

“According to Insurance Statistics Australia, there were 3124 claims relating to car theft in the quarter to March 2025 in Victoria, which is up 66% compared to same period last year,” ICA says.

“In 2024, metro Victoria recorded the highest cost of motor vehicle theft claims across the country, totalling $140 million for the year.

“ICA encourages car owners to consider preventative measures such as a steering wheel lock, which can act as a visible deterrent and physical barrier.”