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Victoria Police say a Ringwood North man has been charged with more than 60 offences after allegedly using electronic key reprogramming devices to steal at least 25 cars across Melbourne’s east and south-east, including Frankston.
Police allege the offences occurred between September 2025 and January 2026, with many vehicles taken from train station carparks after offenders accessed cars and reprogrammed keys using so-called “key mimicking” devices.
What police allege happened
According to Victoria Police, the alleged thefts occurred across suburbs including Malvern East, Hawthorn, Clayton, Pakenham, Ferntree Gully, Frankston, Narre Warren and Bayswater.
Police allege the offender targeted vehicles parked in public areas and residential locations, using electronic devices to gain access and create new keys without the owner’s knowledge.
Detective Sergeant Ryan Davis, of the Maroondah Crime Investigation Unit, said the increasing availability of the technology was making car theft easier.
“With technology making it easier to steal cars, we are urging owners to firstly lock their vehicles and where possible, park off the street to help lower the chances of having their car stolen.”
He said relatively simple security measures could also make a significant difference.
“A small expense could save you tens of thousands of dollars by not having to replace your vehicle if it’s stolen.”
Arrest and charges
Police say detectives from the Maroondah Crime Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at an address in Ringwood North on 29 January 2026, where a 27-year-old man was arrested.
The man has been charged with more than 60 offences, including theft of motor vehicle, burglary, criminal damage, unlicensed driving, going equipped to steal, committing an indictable offence while on bail, handling stolen goods and possessing drugs of dependence.
Detectives also located seven allegedly stolen vehicles and seven sets of stolen registration plates at the address and nearby locations, police say.
The man was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 25 February 2026, where further charges will be sought.
Police warning on high-tech car theft
Victoria Police say intelligence assessments suggest up to one in four stolen vehicles are being taken while owners still have their keys, with offenders increasingly relying on electronic reprogramming devices.
Police say the devices are not illegal to own, but are frequently used in vehicle thefts. More than 300 similar devices were seized from offenders in the final four months of 2025, according to police.
What drivers are being advised to do
Police are urging motorists to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of vehicle theft, including installing an on-board diagnostic port lock, parking off-street where possible, and ensuring vehicles are locked at all times, including when parked at home.
Drivers are also encouraged to report suspicious behaviour around carparks and residential streets to police.
