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Car Security
What is Stolen Vehicle Tracking and how can it help recover stolen cars?
Wondering if Stolen Vehicle Tracking can aid in recovering your stolen vehicle? Discover how this technology operates, who has access to it, which vehicles come equipped with it, and how you can install it as an aftermarket addition.
Vehicle theft is on the rise in Victoria. In the year ending June 2025, data from the Crime Statistics Agency reveals that more than 33,000 motor vehicles thefts were recorded in Victoria. That number represents a 42 per cent increase – the highest since 2002. This includes 28,500 motor vehicle theft offences (up 39 per cent) and more than 4,500 attempted motor vehicle theft offences (up 64 per cent).
There are multiple ways you can help reduce your personal risk of vehicle theft, from steering wheel locks and OBD port locks to home sensor lights. But car companies themselves are also stepping up their security measures, with tracking technology that makes recovering a stolen vehicle easier.
Stolen Vehicle Tracking (SVT) is increasingly available in new cars as an additional security feature. Also known as Stolen Vehicle Locator (SVL) or Vehicle Location Services (VLS), the tech is part of a suite of connectivity features offered by major brands (which also includes safety features like eCall) and has the potential to vastly improve the rates of recovery when a car is stolen.
If you’re in the market for a new car – or considering a late model used car – here’s everything you need to know about the car anti-theft feature or whether it's worth installing as an aftermarket addition.
In this article
- What is Stolen Vehicle Tracking?
- What cars come with Stolen Vehicle Tracking in Australia?
- Will Stolen Vehicle Tracking work in a second-hand car?
- How effective is Stolen Vehicle Tracking?
- What do I do if my Stolen Vehicle Tracking-enabled car is stolen?
- How does Stolen Vehicle Tracking protect my privacy?
Stolen Vehicle Tracking: Everything you need to know about this anti-theft technology
What is Stolen Vehicle Tracking?
In simple terms, SVT is the ability for a vehicle to be tracked, and potentially recovered, by the police if it is stolen. While some SVT services allow the owner to view the location of their vehicle, for your safety it is important that you do not attempt to recover the stolen vehicle yourself.
There are several providers of SVT services, including Intelematics, who provides tracking services to major brands like Toyota.
SVT technology is similar to other commercially available tracking and location systems available in the market.
What types of Stolen Vehicle Tracking are there? Can I buy it as an aftermarket accessory?
SVT can be either built into a vehicle during its manufacture or purchased as an aftermarket accessory.
Aftermarket GPS trackers retail from around $50 to a few hundred dollars.
Teslas are well known for their location tracking services, but motorists should take care who can access their car's location.
What cars in Australia come with Stolen Vehicle Tracking?
Several major car brands in Australia offer vehicles with inbuilt SVT or GPS tracking services. These include Toyota, Lexus, Audi, Mazda, Tesla, Hyundai, Genesis, Mitsubishi and Volvo.
Even if a car manufacturer offers SVT, it’s important to check if the tech is enabled in the specific car you’re purchasing, as it’s not supported in all new models.
Popular models that offer SVT include the Toyota Yaris, Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Kluger, Hilux, Hiace and LandCruiser Prado; the Mazda 3, CX-5d and MX-5; and the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
Vehicles that come with SVT capabilities usually also need to be registered or connected with the manufacturer. This can be done easily online or via an app. Factory-installed SVT often is provided complimentary for a period when a car is bought new – after this complimentary period ends you may need to resubscribe.
Will Stolen Vehicle Tracking work in a second-hand car?
SVT services should continue to work in used vehicles after the ownership is transferred, so long as it’s within the complimentary SVT service period provided when purchased new. This period varies between vehicle manufacturers so check with the seller when buying.
After the complimentary period ends, you may need to resubscribe to access the SVT service.
When purchasing a car with inbuilt SVT, check with the vehicle manufacturer to confirm the process of transferring ownership or the service.
Toyota includes Stolen Vehicle Tracking capabilities in several models, including the Landcruiser Prado.
How effective is Stolen Vehicle Tracking at recovering stolen cars?
While SVT systems won’t prevent your car being stolen (though it’s possible career criminals may avoid cars that they know to have the tech installed), they greatly improve the chance of your vehicle being recovered.
Intelematics works behind the scenes with many major car brands to help police locate stolen vehicles using smart SVT technology. If your car has SVT capability and gets stolen, reporting it to the police quickly is key. The sooner the system is activated, the better the chances of finding your vehicle.
Can car thieves disable or remove Stolen Vehicle Tracking?
No anti-theft device is 100 per cent secure.
You can help prevent your car being stolen by parking it in a secure location whenever possible, keeping it locked, storing your keys away from the front of your house and never storing valuables in your car.
If you have a car with electronic push start technology, consider purchasing an OBD lock to prevent offenders from connecting to the on-board diagnostics (OBD) port and overriding your vehicle's ignition locks and immobilisers.
Having good home security measures like sensor lights, garage door locks and security cameras can further help protect your car from theft.
Motorists can help protect their vehicles from theft by parking in secure locations, like garages.
What do I do if my Stolen Vehicle Tracking-enabled car is stolen?
In Australia, there is currently no standardisation or regulation of SVT systems so the exact process can vary depending on the SVT service provider.
If your vehicle with SVT has been stolen, the first step is to contact the police. After filing a police report, the police will either directly contact your tracking service, or ask you to do so. The SVT provider will then initiate tracking and share the location data with the police to assist them in recovering the vehicle.
For your safety, it is crucial that you do not attempt to track down the stolen vehicle yourself. Many SVT providers will only share the stolen vehicle’s location information with the police to avoid this scenario.
How does Stolen Vehicle Tracking protect my location and privacy?
It’s important to check how your data, information and location are managed depending on your SVT provider. This applies to both inbuilt, manufacturer installed and aftermarket SVT systems.
Unlike telecommunications companies, SVT systems in Australia typically do not fall under the regulation of the Telecommunications Act 1997 (though SVT providers may be guided by the principles outlined within it). Instead, SVT data is managed under Australian privacy law and the information is shared with authorities in the interests of public safety.
Bear in mind that while some inbuilt SVT systems (like those of Intelematics) only turn on location tracking once a police report is filed (i.e. they are not tracking your vehicle constantly), others, like Teslas, can be tracked at any time by anyone with access.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions, please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
