Here’s how people are stealing your cars in 2023 (and how to protect yourself)

The days of hotwiring cars might be over, but car thieves have other high-tech ways to steal your ride.

Hotwiring a car looks easy in the movies, but the introduction of ignition immobilisers in the late 1990s prevents the engine from starting unless you use the correct key. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean your car can't be stolen.

In 2021, nearly 90 per cent of stolen passenger and light commercial vehicles in Australia had an immobiliser installed. Most times thieves simply steal your keys, but they've also developed a few high-tech tricks for making off with your car.

Keyless entry is only supposed to work when you're standing next to the vehicle, but car thieves have ways to boost the signal from your key fob. Known as "relay theft", it tricks your car into thinking your keys are close by – even if they're still in your house – which unlocks your car out in the street and allows the ignition to be started.

While relay theft is rare in Australia, the best way to protect against it is to block the signal from your key fob when you're at home. Some people go as far as to keep their car keys in the fridge, but if you're worried about relay theft a more practical option might be to keep your keys in a "Faraday" bag, pouch or box designed to block radio signals.

Other clever tricks include using key codes to cut new keys, cloning key fobs and even accessing a car's electronics via a headlight to start the engine. Once again, these tricks are rare in Australia.

While high-tech car thieves have made the headlines, the fact is that 70 per cent of stolen cars in Australia are stolen with their own keys, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

Half the time the keys are lifted from the owner's home, found in easily accessible places such as on a key hook or in a bowl near the front door. Thieves sneak in through an unlocked door or open window, grab the keys and simply drive away.

Other times, car owners make it even easier for thieves by forgetting to lock their vehicle and even leaving the keys in the ignition. Some people also write their name and address on their keys meaning, if they lose their keys, whoever finds them knows exactly where to find the car.

The advice from Victoria and NSW police is simple: even when parking at home, always lock your car and close all the windows, including the sunroof. Make sure valuables aren't left on display and spare keys aren't hidden in the car. Inside the house, always keep your keys in a secure place where they're not easy to find.