A large number of Holden and HSV vehicles have been stolen as a result of cheap eBay tools

In spite of the fact that we are huge fans of Australian cars, it is very difficult for us to write stories like this, but vehicle thefts in Australia (in Victoria in particular) are on the rise and one group of cars is being disproportionately targeted with a cheap eBay device.

According to Victoria Police, vehicle crimes have reached record levels in the southern state. It is estimated that more than 25,000 vehicles have been stolen in Victoria over the past 12 months.

The Vehicle Crime Squad of Victoria reports a recovery rate of 73 percent for stolen vehicles. Approximately 40 percent of those who commit crimes are children or youth.

The Vehicle Crime Squad of Victoria reports a recovery rate of 73 percent for stolen vehicles. Approximately 40 percent of those who commit crimes are children or youth.

The last six months have also seen an increase in crimes related to late-model Holden and HSV vehicles (typically more desirable V8 models).

The offenders are a mix of lowlives who steal them for the purpose of joyriding and committing other crimes. These are the types of people who drive their cars with stolen plates.

In addition, there are organized criminals who steal vehicles and rebirth them, or strip them for parts and then dump them as empty shells.

Most of them have in common a cheap device currently available on eBay. This tool is not illegal, and it is primarily used by mechanics and locksmiths to read OBD data (via a port in the interior that allows them to read vehicle diagnostics and reprogram certain onboard computers) and re-program keys.

It is unfortunate that this device is being used in conjunction with a method used by thieves to disable horn alarms in order to buy them more time when stealing automobiles.

The process is as follows:

• A thief spies a late-model Holden or HSV, pops the front bumper off, locates, and cuts a cable to disable the horn

• To open the vehicle, they will use a turbo decoder or, more brutishly, a screwdriver in the door lock

• As soon as the device is plugged into the vehicle’s OBD port, the alarm will be disabled (both flashing indicators and horn will be turned off), the original keys paired to the vehicle will be deleted and a new set of keys will be paired

• Following the completion of this brief process, the vehicle is started and they are on their way

“I have a video of someone using a [device name] key programmer on my VF Calais V this week, which I interrupted and saved,” a person who spoke with us said.

“The individual who attempted to steal my vehicle had a stolen vehicle with him, and he has been using the same vehicle for three days in an effort to pick up almost five vehicles in the CBD.”

It was fortunate that I got there in time and was able to stop them. The photos show a clear image of the offender and the fingerprints were taken by Victoria Police, but they were unable to locate him.

What can you do if you own a late-model V8 Holden or HSV? Please immediately cease driving your vehicle in public and do not leave it parked outside until you have taken the steps listed below. People are stealing them from their homes, from the parking lots of train stations, and from shopping malls. There is a target on every single vehicle.

If you want to prevent a vehicle from being driven, you will need either a Club Lock or a Cop Lock – these are both mechanical devices that stop steering wheel movement and/or pedal movement.

It is even better if you install a PIN-coded immobilizer and relocate your horn. It is more likely that a horn going off or mechanical device preventing theft will cause the thief to move on to the next vehicle instead of concentrating on yours.

In fact, Euro Chiptuning Solutions (which is offering a discount on the installation of alarms and immobilizers for anyone who mentions this story) is able to provide these services.

There are likely to be many other companies that will be able to assist with this as well. The time has come for owners of late-model Holden or HSV vehicles to take action before your vehicle is targeted next.