Holden Commodores are being stolen in droves across Australia, thanks in part to the availability of an easy to buy tool.
As previously reported, owners of late-model Holden Commodores – especially V8-powered VFs – are being targeted as their cars can be easily started and stolen by criminals using an OBD-reading tool intended for mechanics and locksmiths.
The tool can be used to disable a car’s alarm, delete the original keys paired to the car and then pair a new set of keys, with the only physical requirements for criminals being hacking into the front bumper, disabling the horn and unlocking a door.
It’s a simple yet effective technique, leading owners to park up their Commodores in secure buildings to keep them as safe as possible from criminals.
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While some stolen Commodores are being used to joyride, others are being rebirthed, in which certain identifying features from multiple cars – such as its Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and chassis numbers – are being transferred to pass them off as another vehicle.
Holden departed Australia at the start of 2021, however, former parent company General Motors is still present in Australia and New Zealand with its Chevrolet and upcoming Cadillac and GMC brands.
With thefts of its most iconic vehicles in Australia at crisis level, CarExpert asked General Motors Australia and New Zealand (GMANZ) whether it was doing anything to support owners of Commodores being targeted by criminals.
“GMANZ is aware of reports of vehicle thefts where offenders are misusing an aftermarket locksmith’s tool sold for general vehicle use,” a spokesperson told CarExpert.
“The purchase of this tool is currently unregulated.”
Temporary deterrents to theft include mechanical devices such as Club Locks and Cop Locks, while a PIN-coded immobiliser and relocated horn could also help reduce the likelihood of your car being stolen.
Holden ended Australian production of the Commodore in October 2017, but GM has recently struggled to continue supporting owners.
Last year it was discovered Commodore owners were facing lengthy delays for bumpers after Adelaide-based Trident Plastics fell into administration in June 2023.
This created a huge backlogs for parts, not only affecting those who want to restore their beloved cars but also repairers that have been tasked with returning damaged Commodores to the road.
Some owners reported having to wait for more than a year for some parts.
This issue is understood to have since been resolved, as GM not only worked with the parts supplier but also administrators to restart production before the end of 2024.
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