Ballarat car thieves use cheap gadgets to steal vehicles in 60 seconds
Car theft in Ballarat surged 22 per cent. Young offenders and repeat adult offenders steal vehicles for social media fame.
Car theft in Ballarat reached 975 vehicles in the 2025-26 financial year, a 22 per cent spike. Police say young offenders and repeat adult offenders steal cars not for money.
Offenders want social media notoriety. Offenders livestream thefts on Snapchat and TikTok.
Thieves buy cheap OBD (onboard diagnostic) tools online. These tools copy a car's electronic key.
Breaking in and driving away takes about 60 seconds. One offender stole four vehicles in a single day.
Police warn that posting theft videos can lead to extra charges under "post and boast" law. Diversionary programs show results.
Some young offenders are sent into apprenticeships. This keeps them away from the justice system.
- 975 in 2025-26 financial year
- Vehicles stolen
- 22 per cent
- Increase
- 4 cars in single day
- One offender
- About 60 seconds
- Time to steal
Why it mattersHacking tools are cheap and easy to buy. Social media makes people share crimes. This creates a new group of youth offenders. They pose a risk to vehicle owners.
AustraliaBallarat residents face significantly higher risk of car theft, and police are working with agencies to divert young offenders before they become entrenched in crime.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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