Toyota has developed a plan to address the rising issue of Toyota thefts in Australia. The stolen cars are primarily Toyota LandCruiser 300, LandCruiser Prado, and HiLux. These cars are popular and easy to resell globally.
Toyota Australia mainly plans to enhance factory security, retrofittable accessories, customer assistance, collaboration with law enforcement, and global technical updates to outpace the ever-evolving tactics of thieves.
Most stolen Toyotas in Australia
In early 2026, major Australian media outlets reported a sudden and serious rise in Toyota vehicle thefts. The most stolen vehicles were mainly Toyota LandCruiser 300 (top target), LandCruiser Prado, and HiLux. Burglars also lifted Toyota RAV4, Corolla, and Camry in different states. Robbers chose them due to their high global resale value and strong demand in foreign markets. Aussie police say the thieves are a highly organised international crime syndicate.
Toyota theft ring
In January 2026, Queensland Police, with federal and state agencies, announced they had broken up a “highly organised, well-disciplined and very sophisticated” car theft network. Between October 20 and December 1, 2025, the theft ring allegedly stole 60 Toyota vehicles in the Brisbane region, averaging about two thefts per day. The total value of the stolen vehicles was estimated at AUD $8–9 million. Police arrested 7 men aged between 28 and 46, who allegedly flew into Australia in October 2025 specifically to carry out the thefts.
MORE: Keyless car theft: How it happens
Toyota’s plan to tackle increasing car thefts in Australia
Toyota has outlined a multi-layered strategy to tackle the rising car thefts in Australia. The theft ring used advanced CAN bus injection technology to access car wiring and sent fake digital signals to disable the immobiliser tech. The plan focuses on these improvements for the new Toyota cars:
1. Hardware enhancements: Toyota has already added advanced, hardware-level security upgrades to the latest 2025 and 2026 HiLux, LandCruiser 300, and LandCruiser Prado. These changes are designed to block CAN bus injection attacks.
2. Retrofittable security accessories: Existing owners can now buy factory-approved security accessories, like secondary immobilisers that can be installed at dealerships.
3. Support for theft victims: Toyota has introduced a priority replacement system for theft victims, and they will be moved ahead of standard waiting lists to receive a car faster. The replacements are handled via the owner’s relevant insurance channels.
4. Legislative advocacy and police collaboration: Toyota is requesting a federal ban on electronic theft devices and tighter regulation over legitimate automotive tools that can be misused. Toyota Australia has also set up a dedicated task force working closely with Victoria and Queensland Police to study theft methods and identify illegal devices.
5. Global technical response: Toyota Australia has formed a specialist local security team that works directly with its global engineering teams. This group reviews and updates security systems as theft tech evolves.
MORE: How to do a stolen car check using VIN?
Current anti-theft systems in Aussie Toyota cars
Modern Toyota LandCruiser and HiLux models include an engine immobiliser that only allows the vehicle to start when the correct encrypted key signal is detected. Many models also include a factory alarm that triggers if doors or the bonnet are opened while locked.
Toyota can also track a stolen car that has an active Toyota Connected Services subscription. Vehicles fitted with a Data Communication Module (DCM) can be tracked with the myToyota Connect app, once a police report number is obtained. Owners must contact Toyota Stolen Vehicle Assistance so Toyota can work directly with police to provide location data.
Comments
New Comment