Vehicle theft syndicates are becoming increasingly tech-savvy, with some capable of stealing targeted high-value vehicles in as little as two to five minutes using specialised electronic devices.
Federal Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar said syndicates were increasingly focusing on vehicles that command strong demand in the market.
“In some cases, syndicates use rental vehicles and electronic equipment to facilitate their operations.
“There are cases where criminals can steal a vehicle within two to five minutes,” he said.
Kumar said recent police operations had uncovered the use of specialised devices capable of bypassing vehicle security systems.
Some of the equipment can programme or generate vehicle keys depending on the model and its security features, he said, highlighting how theft techniques have evolved alongside technology.
He added that stolen vehicles were disposed of or moved according to their type and the syndicate’s objectives.
Motorcycles and lorries may be taken to illegal workshops or storage facilities to be dismantled for parts, while stolen cars generally follow three patterns.
“First, the vehicles are modified, including altering their identity, before being resold.
“Second, they are dismantled for spare parts, and third, certain vehicles are smuggled out of Malaysia, including to Thailand,” he said.
Kumar urged vehicle owners not to rely solely on factory-fitted security systems and instead adopt multiple layers of protection.
He recommended parking in well-lit areas with CCTV coverage or security guards, as well as using physical security devices such as steering and pedal locks or GPS trackers.
Owners should also ensure their vehicles are locked at all times and never leave the engine running unattended.
Smart key users should keep their keys securely and activate tracking and notification features where available.
“Syndicates may use technology, but additional security measures and owner vigilance remain the first line of defence,” he said.
Police recorded 33,716 vehicle thefts involving vehicles worth RM682 million between 2024 and July this year.
The figure comprised 14,201 stolen vehicles in 2024, 12,599 in 2025 and 6,916 between January and July this year.
During the same period, police crippled 104 vehicle theft syndicates and arrested 579 people, with 386 subsequently charged in court.
Kumar said the operations reflected the police’s continued efforts to dismantle entire syndicate networks rather than simply arrest individual thieves.
Police investigations and operations also led to the recovery of 10,693 stolen vehicles during the period.
Overall, vehicle theft cases declined by 11.3% from 14,201 in 2024 to 12,599 in 2025.
