The couple, who wish to keep their last name anonymous, said they parked their Mazda CX-5 Sport Max SUV at 10.15am in the parking area on Wyndham St, in front of the Dale Wright Portrait Maker studio. By 10.30am, the car was gone.
Marika and Barry, who had their daughter and her partner visiting at the time, exited the vehicle before the daughter and her partner walked to the nearby NAB bank. Barry locked the car, placed the key in his pocket, and accompanied Marika into the clinic.
Barry said the car uses a push-start system, which requires the key to be present in order to start the vehicle.
However, after viewing nearby CCTV footage, he and Marika now fear their SUV may have been targeted using a device that can unlock and start keyless cars remotely.
“It’s scary to think what technology can do these days,” he said.
“My car keys were definitely in my pocket and the car was definitely locked.”
According to RACV, thieves are increasingly using relay devices to capture the signal from a car’s key fob — even from inside a pocket or home — to unlock and start the vehicle without needing the actual key.
This method has become more common with modern cars that use proximity-based keyless entry systems.
While relay attacks traditionally involved two people — one near the car and one near the key — newer, more sophisticated signal amplifiers and range extenders now allow a single person to perform the theft.
These devices can boost the signal from a key fob located tens of metres away, even through walls.
For example, if the key is in someone’s pocket inside a nearby clinic or shop, a thief outside could use a signal amplifier to pick up the signal, unlock the car, and drive off — all within seconds.
“Our house keys were left in the car, and we were terribly worried we might have had a bill or letter with our address on it,” Marika said.
“I think that was the most concerning part — the fear that this person could then make their way to our home.
“It’s definitely reminded us not to leave anything valuable or personal in the car. I think that’s a message for everyone: stay vigilant.
“Shepparton is a great community — but not everyone in the community is great.”
Shepparton police were quick to attend the scene after the couple reported their car stolen.
Thankfully, by around 1pm, they were notified that someone had been charged.
The couple’s car was found nearby, still running, at the Shepparton Italian Social Club — and, thankfully, undamaged.
“It was a terrible unsettling thing to happen, but we are just so thankful for how amazing the police and detectives were,” Marika said.
“We’re definitely looking into getting some extra protection for the car,” Barry added.
“With how easily these push-start vehicles can be targeted, we’d suggest anyone who owns one think about adding something like a steering wheel lock or other anti-theft device — anything that makes it harder for someone to take off with your car.”
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