Life would not be easy for anyone who has his/her car stolen in Melbourne – in Richmond, in Dandenong or elsewhere. It’s not just about a lost car. It’s about you being protected, having time to relax, and not worrying.
The good news? A qualified auto locksmith can rekey your vehicle car and possibly sound right of your situation with your keys. Below is an easy-to-read manual for what Melbourne motorists must do when their car is stolen in 2025.
Report the Theft Right Away
In an emergency, call 000, or to make a report, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Provide them details of the car — make, model, colour, rego, and the last place you saw it.
And then call and inform your insurer within 24 hours. Time is of the essence — especially in high-theft areas such as Footscray or Sunshine.
Consider Your Locks and Keys
If your car is recovered, don’t assume everything’s OK.
Burglars excel at keeping those extra keys or messing with the locks. That’s why you do want to have the locks rekeyed.
An auto locksmith can replace the locking mechanism so that old keys won’t work.
Prices vary and can range from $150–$500, depending on your vehicle.
Reprogramming the transponder chip on a keyless car is an effective way to prevent thieves from reconnecting to your vehicle.
Check for Ignition Damage
When the thief attempted to hotwire your car, this is when the ignition in your vehicle may have been broken.
Look for warning signs like loose fittings, strange sounds or struggling to turn the key.
An auto locksmith can repair the ignition while another one can replace the key. Locksmiths can also reprogram smart keys for high-end cars like BMW or Audi, so everything syncs up again.
Lost Keys? Replace Them Immediately
If the keys were stolen with the car, don’t hesitate.
You need new keys cut and programmed quickly. Melbourne mobile locksmiths often provide same-day service – convenient if you’re in the CBD or further out.
The right car locksmith services know that you need to replace your lost keys with a set that comply with Australian standards for vehicle security.
Upgrade Your Car’s Security
Therefore, following a theft, you wish to forestall its recurrence.
Consider:
- Steering wheel locks ($30–$100)
- GPS trackers ($100–$300)
- Engine immobilisers ($500–$1,000)
Those measures can also lower the risk of theft by as much as 40%, insurers say. They could also potentially trim your insurance expenses.
Only Use Licensed Locksmiths
In the state of Victoria, only licenced locksmiths are permitted to undertake security work on your vehicle.
With your project in mind, expect to pay $150–$1,000 based on the job.
Read reviews, inquire about warranties, and ensure their company is registered as Private Security before hiring.
Double-Check Your Insurance
Some insurance plans will cover the expense of a locksmith, up to $500 for services such as rekeying or key replacement.
Also, retain your receipts and the police reports in case you slip and need to file a claim or sell your car later.
Bottom Line: After Theft, Don’t Wait
Quick action keeps you safe. Whether it’s having your locks rekeyed, your ignition examined or adding new keys, time is of the essence.
You can have your car rekey in a matter of minutes by a professional auto locksmith. With the right car locksmith services though, your car will be locked up and back on the road in no time.
Stay safe, Melbourne, even as you stay somewhat innocuous — and take the steps to protect your ride in 2025.
