It is believed the devices – which program or mimic car keys – were used to break in and steal at least three Holden Commodores from Shepparton and Kialla, police said.
Two were stolen from public car parks in Shepparton, while the third was stolen from a residential driveway in Kialla.
Two vehicles, while extensively damaged, were recovered by police in less than two days.
Police said throughout the state, Holden Commodores, as well as certain makes and models with electronic push start technology, were currently being stolen two to three times more often than the five-year average.
Statewide police intelligence conservatively estimates as many as one in five of all cars were disappearing despite their owners retaining the keys, police said.
Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit Detective Acting Sergeant Andrew Costello said the electronic devices had challenged metropolitan Melbourne for a while now, but were now being used in Shepparton.
“Unfortunately, Shepparton is not immune to crime trends,” he said.
“While there have only been a handful of incidents locally, we want our community to be aware so they can take simple measures to prevent falling victim.”
Det Act Sgt Costello said given keys were not needed with this technology, police were asking people to lock their vehicles, and where possible, park off the street to help lower the chances of having their car stolen.
He also said people could purchase board diagnostic port locks that decrease the effectiveness of key mimicking tools and slow down thieves substantially.
“A small expense now could save you tens of thousands of dollars by not having to replace your vehicle if it’s stolen,” he said.
While these devices are not illegal to own, Victoria Police has seized more than 800 across the state in the past year from people arrested for stealing cars.
The investigation into the recent thefts remains ongoing, and police are working to determine if they are linked.
As part of their inquiries, detectives have also released CCTV vision of the theft in Kialla on Saturday, November 15.
Police said it was understood an unknown person walked up to a driveway on Waranga Dve and stole a red 2016 Holden VF Commodore sedan about 3am.
The vehicle was recovered in Tatura the next day.
Detectives have also released an image of another red Holden Commodore sedan, which is believed to have been stolen from a Shepparton car park on Wednesday, November 19.
This vehicle is yet to be recovered by police.
“With two vehicles already recovered, we want to reassure the community that police are doing everything we can to investigate and hold offenders to account,” Det Act Sgt Costello said.
Anyone who recognises the people pictured is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
A full list of anti-theft measures can be found on the Victoria Police website at www.police.vic.gov.au/preventing-motor-vehicle-theft
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