Anti-theft tech linked to Vic car-jackings

Better anti-theft technology in vehicles is partly to blame for increasingly violent car thefts in Melbourne, police say.

More than 30 people have been charged in the past two months over aggravated burglaries related to car thefts.

"Now we're seeing offenders reverting to car-jackings and aggravated burglaries to secure the car keys in order to steal the car," Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill told reporters on Thursday.

More and more offenders are willing to use force to steal a luxury car, he said.

"What is really disturbing is that we are seeing offenders breaking into homes, threatening the occupiers of that house and stealing the keys and stealing the car parked in the driveway."

The assistant commissioner said these types of crime were more prevalent in the United States, but seems to be rising in Victoria.

The 33 people charged with aggravated burglaries were predominantly juveniles from Dandenong and Casey who had links across the city, he said.

Mr Hill said many of the alleged car thieves were playing out scenarios featured in The Fast and the Furious films and the video game Grand Theft Auto.

"They are playing out and living as action heroes in our streets," he said.

Three quarters of all cars stolen in Victoria are used for other crimes, or for joy rides, police say.

The rest are used for profit - either by selling the car for parts, or using it for fraudulent insurance claims.