Car thieves targeting Melbourne Airport can soon expect a nasty surprise

Melbourne Airport has taken the dramatic step of installing $3.5 million tyre spikes at car park exits after it became an unlikely hotspot for car thieves.

Reporting a record number of thefts throughout 2024 and 2025, the airport’s car parks have proved to be a happy hunting ground for thieves. Thousands of cars are parked at the airport for long periods while owners are interstate or overseas.

Police data shows that in 2025, 140 cars were stolen from the airport’s car parks, almost double the 77 stolen there the year before.

In most cases, thieves used devices that clone or mimic car keys to unlock vehicles with push-button starts.

The thieves then drove the stolen cars out of the car park, crashing through security boom gates or fencing. In some instances, they also used the vehicle’s GPS tracking to drive to the traveller’s homes, rob the properties and potentially steal other vehicles.

The tyre spikes were installed at the airport three weeks ago and have already proved effective, with thieves foiled on two separate occasions after cars were caught on the spikes.

Airport data shows more than 60 cars have been stolen from the airport’s car parks this year. Since the spikes were installed, however, only one car has been stolen. In that theft, the owner had left their credit card inside the vehicle, enabling the thief to pay and swipe out of the car park.

A police spokeswoman said Toyota Landcruisers, Corollas, HiLuxes and RAV4s, as well as Holden Commodores and Subaru Imprezas, were among the most-targeted vehicles.

“Car theft in Victoria has spiked significantly in recent years, and unfortunately cars that are parked at the airport are not immune,” the spokeswoman said. “Opportunistic offenders often exploit in-car security in push-start vehicles.”

Victoria is now the car-theft capital of Australia, and more insurance claims for stolen cars were lodged in Melbourne than all other capital cities combined last year. A car is stolen or broken into every 42 minutes across the state.

Payouts for stolen cars in Victoria last year totalled $243 million across 12,500 claims, more than the rest of Australia put together, according to data from the Insurance Council of Australia.

Victoria Police estimate more than 10,000 cars a year are stolen by offenders using devices that clone or mimic car keys. They recommend car owners install anti-theft measures such as on-board diagnostic port locks.

Police run regular operations to target car thieves in the area, including Operation Nighthawk, which involves local police teaming up with the air wing and dog squad to target crime across the Hume catchment.

Earlier this month, this operation led to more than 30 arrests and six stolen cars being recovered.

“Police remain strongly focused on vehicle crime, with more operations planned in the near future,” the police spokeswoman said.

Collingwood player Bobby Hill’s Holden Commodore was stolen from the car park at Melbourne Airport in October, and he used social media to appeal for the vehicle’s return.

“Since not hearing back or no phone call from the police about my car, I’m turning to you guys for help,” he posted. “If you see or hear anything, please let me know.”

Hill said the thief had changed the number plates and was driving around with a cracked front windscreen.

Police said the investigation into Hill’s car theft was ongoing.

A Melbourne Airport spokesman said the investment in tyre spikes across its Value car parks would help deter vehicle theft and enhance security for passengers.

“The rollout follows the successful use of tyre spikes in the airport’s rental car precinct and is part of our ongoing investment in measures to protect vehicles parked at the airport,” he said. “Melbourne Airport works closely with Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police on initiatives and operational approaches to prevent and deter crime at the airport.”

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.