Victoria Police’s recent 29-second video offering car theft prevention tips has drawn sharp criticism from frustrated residents in Melbourne, who argue authorities should prioritize tackling the root causes of surging crime rather than producing educational clips.
Key Prevention Tips Highlighted
The video features a police officer demonstrating simple measures to secure vehicles. “Think your keys are safe inside your house? Think again. Criminals can clone or relay your key signal, even from outside,” the officer warns. Recommendations include using a signal-blocking pouch for keys, applying a steering wheel lock, storing keys in a metal tin or drawer, and installing an OBD port lock.
“Small changes make a big difference. Make your car hard to steal,” the officer adds.
Public Reaction: Calls for Tougher Crime Measures
Many viewers expressed outrage online, demanding that repeat offenders stay behind bars. One commenter stated, “Or… keep these repeat offenders in jail and off the streets. What a shame we live in a country that a video like this needs to be made.”
Others criticized government priorities: “It’s sad, Melbourne’s counter-revolution into a less developed country which needs extra security for valuable belongings.” Another remarked, “Or governments could actually fund the police effectively and have judges lock criminals up instead of putting them back on the street.”
Some pointed fingers at car manufacturers, urging built-in anti-theft technology. “Car manufacturers must provide some support in this regard, either by figuring out how to mitigate the issues or sponsoring educational content like this via police channels,” one person suggested. A second added, “The price we pay for vehicles, they should be already too hard to steal.”
Lighter responses focused on the officer’s appearance, with jokes like, “Can you protect the keys inside my house? I would be fine with that,” and “Does he do private patrols? Asking for a friend!”
Alarming Theft Statistics
The video arrives amid a car theft epidemic in Victoria. High-tech key cloning devices account for 30 to 40 percent of the 33,000 vehicles stolen between September 2024 and September 2025, averaging 30 cars daily.
Thieves target models with electronic push-start systems lacking traditional ignition keys. In 2025, popular stolen vehicles included 1,271 Holden Commodores, 846 Toyota Land Cruisers, over 670 Toyota Corollas, 592 Toyota Hiluxes, and 467 Toyota RAV4s.
What to Do If Your Car Is Stolen
Police advise against confronting thieves. Instead, report the incident immediately and contact your insurance provider.
