Melbourne Airport Installs $3.5 Million Tyre Spike System to Combat Record Car Thefts
Melbourne Airport has installed tyre spikes at car park exits costing $3.5 million to combat a surge in vehicle thefts, with 140 cars stolen in 2025 alone—nearly double the previous year. The spikes have already proven effective, with only one successful theft since installation three weeks ago compared to over 60 before the system was deployed. The measure addresses a broader crisis in Victoria, which now accounts for more car thefts than all other Australian capital cities combined.
Melbourne Airport has responded to a dramatic increase in car thefts by installing $3.5 million worth of tyre spikes at car park exits. Police data reveals 140 vehicles were stolen from the airport in 2025, nearly double the 77 stolen in 2024, with thieves primarily using key-cloning devices to unlock push-button start vehicles. Since the spikes were installed three weeks ago, the system has proven highly effective—only one car has been successfully stolen compared to over 60 before installation, with thieves foiled on two separate occasions. Victoria Police identified Toyota and Holden models as most-targeted vehicles and noted that in some cases, thieves used stolen vehicles' GPS to locate and rob owners' homes. The airport's investment reflects a statewide crisis: Victoria now experiences more car thefts than all other Australian capitals combined, with 12,500 insurance claims totalling $243 million in payouts last year and an estimated 10,000 vehicles stolen annually using key-cloning devices.
What different sources said
- The AgeCenter
Car thieves targeting Melbourne Airport can soon expect a nasty surprise
- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
Car thieves targeting Melbourne Airport can soon expect a nasty surprise
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