Toyota has confirmed security upgrades to luxury vehicles, after a 10 News+ investigation into the theft of some of Australia’s most popular cars.

Last October, we revealed a series of car thefts in Victoria that left victims still holding their keys and paying off loans on vehicles they no longer had.

Criminals are using a locksmith device to hack into car systems, take control of the vehicle externally and turn on the engine. It could happen to almost any modern car with a push-button start.

Police believe it’s not just petty crime, but a sophisticated organised criminal syndicate. Seven men from Brazil, Fiji, Japan and Afghanistan have been arrested in Brisbane, accused of stealing cars and shipping them off to the Middle East.

Today, Toyota confirmed two major security changes. Firstly, the latest Hilux, Landcruiser 300 and Landcruiser Prado have had upgrades in their architecture. But the company won’t confirm what, because they don’t want criminals to know.

Secondly, the company is developing a factory-approved accessory called an “immobiliser”, which requires authentication or a special code to start the car, meaning criminals won’t be able to hack car systems. Owners of older models will be able to have these installed by Toyota, but they will have to fork out the cost.

Toyota is also calling for regulation of locksmith devices, because currently almost anyone can purchase the products without checks.

Watch more from 10 News+ at 10.com.au