Australia is grappling with a surge in thefts of late-model Holden Commodores, particularly V8-powered VF series vehicles, as criminals exploit security vulnerabilities using readily available tools.
Despite awareness from General Motors (GM), Holden's former parent company, a permanent solution remains absent, leaving owners to rely on temporary measures in what has become a nationwide epidemic.
The Theft Mechanism: How Criminals Target Commodores
Thieves are using an OBD-II diagnostic tool, legally sold to locksmiths and mechanics, to bypass security systems. The process begins with disabling alarms by prying open the front bumper to cut the horn wiring. Criminals then gain access to the OBD port, either through brute force or by using decoders to unlock doors.
Once connected, the device erases existing keys and pairs new ones, enabling theft in a matter of minutes. This method has led to a significant spike in thefts, with stolen Commodores either being joyridden, stripped for parts, or "rebirthed" using cloned Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs).
GM's Response: Awareness Without Action
General Motors Australia and New Zealand (GMANZ) acknowledges the crisis but cites regulatory gaps as a barrier to action. In a statement, GMANZ noted, "The purchase of this tool is currently unregulated." While the company has resolved 2023 delays in parts supply caused by the collapse of Trident Plastics, it offers no anti-theft retrofits. Despite ongoing parts distribution through Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), GM's legacy support remains limited, leaving owners vulnerable.
Impact on Owners and Community
The theft crisis has had far-reaching effects on Commodore owners and the broader community. Victims report thefts from homes, train stations, and shopping centers, with one intercepted thief even using a stolen Commodore to target other vehicles.
The brazenness of these thefts was underscored when Supercars team Team 18 had a Holden VE Commodore pit-stop practice car stolen. Law enforcement efforts have led to some successes, with Victoria Police recovering high-value models like HSV Senators and seizing tools, drugs, and cloned plates in raids, estimating $200,000 in stolen goods.
Temporary Countermeasures for Owners
In the absence of a permanent fix from GM, experts recommend several temporary countermeasures. Physical deterrents such as steering locks or pedal locks can provide a visible deterrent.
Aftermarket immobilizers requiring a PIN code before startup offer an additional layer of security. Some owners have taken to relocating their vehicle's horn to prevent thieves from easily disabling alarms. Secure parking, either in garages or monitored lots, is also strongly advised.
Broader Implications and Challenges
The Commodore theft crisis has revealed broader issues within Australia's automotive landscape. Organized crime networks are exploiting lax VIN regulations to operate rebirthing rings, reselling stolen cars with cloned identities. This has led to increased pressure on insurance companies, with rising premiums for Commodores and some insurers now demanding proof of additional security measures.
The crisis has also impacted market values, with stolen and recovered models depreciating faster, affecting resale values across the board.
Industry and Government Inertia
The ongoing crisis highlights significant gaps in industry and government responses. There are currently no restrictions on the sale of OBD tools despite their widespread misuse. Victoria Police have urged the public to report thefts immediately but lack the resources to fully curb rebirthing operations.
Meanwhile, GM faces potential class action lawsuits over parts and transmission issues, further complicating its reputation in Australia.
The Road Ahead
As GM shifts its focus to launching Cadillac and GMC in Australia, Holden's legacy issues, including the Commodore theft crisis, remain unresolved. Commodore owners are advised to take swift action by installing immobilizers and physical locks. Vigilance is crucial, with owners encouraged to monitor online marketplaces for parts from stolen vehicles.
Community initiatives, such as the Holden Commodore Theft Watch social media group, have emerged as valuable resources for sharing information about theft attempts and prevention strategies.The Holden Commodore theft crisis serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing legacy vehicles in an era of evolving automotive technology.
As owners and enthusiasts fight to protect their beloved Commodores, the situation underscores the need for more robust industry-wide approaches to vehicle security and the importance of ongoing support for discontinued models.
