Toyota models top Australia’s stolen‑vehicle list, with crime rings snatching Land Cruisers. Discover new security steps protecting your car – read more!
In Australia, Toyota isn’t just a best‑selling brand – it’s also the most coveted target for professional car thieves. Recent data show that four Toyota models sit among the five most stolen vehicles in Victoria during the first nine months of 2025.
Toyota models dominate the stolen‑vehicle list
While the Holden Commodore still leads the rankings, the following Toyota models follow closely behind: Corolla, Hilux, Land Cruiser and RAV4. The high demand for these vehicles fuels sophisticated theft operations that import expensive, high‑tech disabling tools into the country.
New security upgrades to fight back
In response, Toyota Australia has teamed up with Victoria and Queensland police to identify the illicit devices and develop counter‑measures. The company now equips newer Hilux, Land Cruiser 300 and Land Cruiser Prado models with upgraded alarm systems and is testing additional engine‑lock mechanisms.
Dealers have also introduced a steering‑wheel lock similar to The Club’s product, priced at about AUD 200 (≈ USD 140). This low‑cost accessory adds a physical barrier that can deter opportunistic thieves.
Police bust a trans‑national theft ring
In early October 2025, Queensland police uncovered an international network that flew into Brisbane with a single objective: steal Toyota Land Cruisers. Over a six‑week period (20 Oct – 1 Dec), the crew stole roughly 60 Land Cruisers, loading them into shipping containers bound for the United Arab Emirates.
On 2 Dec, two of the stolen SUVs were spotted heading toward a scrap‑yard. Officers discovered the vehicles hidden inside a container, camouflaged beneath piles of removed parts. A week later, a total of four more containers were seized at the Port of Brisbane, and additional shipments were intercepted in Melbourne.
Operation X‑Ray Lox and legal fallout
The investigation, part of the broader “Operation X‑Ray Lox” campaign, resulted in seven individuals being charged with more than 300 criminal counts. Among them, a 44‑year‑old man faces 60 theft charges and six counts of attempted theft.
Toyota has publicly supported stricter regulations on the sale and use of high‑risk tools, urging authorities to limit devices that can be repurposed for illegal entry into vehicles.
What this means for owners
- Consider installing factory‑fitted security upgrades on newer models.
- Use reputable steering‑wheel locks or immobilisers, especially for high‑value SUVs like the Land Cruiser.
- Stay informed about local theft hotspots and report suspicious activity to police.
By combining advanced technology with community vigilance, Australia aims to curb the surge of organized Toyota thefts and protect drivers nationwide.