- Toyota is struggling with a massive theft problem in Australia.
- The automaker is working with police to help improve security.
- One fix includes a $140 steering lock now sold at dealerships.
Toyota managed to beat the Volkswagen Group last year to retain the title as the world’s best-selling automaker. However, their vehicles aren’t just popular with consumers as thieves have also taken a liking to several models including the Land Cruiser lineup.
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This is especially true in Australia, where the company recently announced “Organized criminal groups … appear to be importing sophisticated and often costly technologies to facilitate theft, which has resulted in the rise of stolen vehicles being reported across the automotive industry.”
Toyota stopped short of detailing the exact methods being used, but said they’ve worked with Victoria and Queensland Police to identify these devices and develop countermeasures to limit their effectiveness.
The company also said they strongly support banning “devices used for criminal activities and the regulating of legitimate devices used by locksmiths, mechanics and other automotive professionals.”
A Growing Target for Thieves
Toyota’s concern appears to be warranted as a recent report revealed the brand had four of the five most stolen vehicles in Victoria during the first nine months of 2025. While the Holden Commodore nabbed the top spot, it was followed by the Corolla, HiLux, Land Cruiser, and RAV4.
To help address the issue, Toyota increased security on several models last year including the HiLux, Land Cruiser 300, and Land Cruiser Prado. The company is also working on security-related accessories including an additional immobilizer.
One of these appears to have already been launched, as Drive reported dealers have begun offering a steering wheel lock. It’s essentially Toyota’s version of The Club, but looks a lot fancier and costs $200 AUD ($140 USD).
Car Theft Goes Global
Earlier this month, officials in Brisbane busted an international crime syndicate focused on stealing Toyota vehicles. According to Queensland Police, a group of foreign nationals flew into Brisbane in October with the intention of stealing Land Cruisers.
They were highly successful as they managed to steal 60 vehicles between October 20 and December 1. Once taken, the SUVs were reportedly placed in shipping containers to be sold in the United Arab Emirates.
Queensland Police
Thankfully, two stolen Land Cruisers were seen entering a wrecking yard on December 2 and officials swarmed in. They found the two SUVs in a shipping container “hidden behind a facade of disassembled vehicle parts.”
A week later, two shipping containers were seized at the Port of Brisbane with four vehicles inside. Another four shipping containers were then discovered in Melbourne.
As part of Operation Xray Lox, seven people were charged with more than 300 offences. This includes one 44-year-old man, who is facing 60 counts of stealing a vehicle and six counts of attempting to steal a vehicle.
