A brazen theft in Melbourne has once again highlighted the growing need for robust vehicle security systems. In a scene that shocked onlookers, a stolen Toyota LandCruiser tore through the Northland Shopping Centre in Preston on Monday afternoon, crashing through bollards and glass doors in a wild attempt to escape.
According to police reports, the vehicle had been stolen earlier that day from Coburg before it was driven recklessly through the popular shopping centre around 1:15pm. Footage from the scene shows shoppers running for safety as the LandCruiser smashes through the centre’s entrance and exits onto Murray Road. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.
Authorities confirmed that the driver was arrested shortly after and is now assisting with inquiries. However, this incident has raised serious concerns among vehicle owners—especially those with high-value or commonly targeted cars like the Toyota LandCruiser.
Read the full story at 7News
Why Are LandCruisers a Target?
LandCruisers are one of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads, which makes them a prime target for thieves. Their popularity means that once stolen, they’re much harder to detect—they blend in easily with everyday traffic. Add that to their high resale value and reputation for reliability, and it’s easy to see why they’re often at the top of a thief’s list.
How Can You Protect Your Vehicle?
As this incident shows, traditional deterrents such as steering locks or alarms may not be enough. More sophisticated protection is required to stay one step ahead of opportunistic thieves.
That’s where StealStopper comes in.
Our advanced vehicle immobilisation technology is designed to prevent your car from being driven away—even if someone has access to the keys. StealStopper discreetly disables the accelerator pedal when armed, making it virtually impossible for a thief to drive off unnoticed.
Even with the keys, they can’t drive away.
Unlike GPS trackers that only help after the theft, StealStopper prevents the crime from happening in the first place.
A Simple Step That Could Save You Thousands
Incidents like the Northland rampage serve as a reminder that prevention is key. Whether you drive a LandCruiser, Hilux, or any high-risk model, taking proactive steps to secure your vehicle can mean the difference between peace of mind and a costly, stressful ordeal.
Learn more about how StealStopper can help protect your vehicle from theft.
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