HAMILTON Police crime investigation unit (CIU) is investigating a major theft in the early hours of Monday morning at a dealership in Hamilton.

Three Toyota 200 series LandCruiser station wagons, two white and one silver, were stolen at about 3.30am from Taylor Motors.

A Hamilton police spokesperson said the offenders used “sophisticated electronic devices” to start the vehicles without keys.

The theft is believed to be in relation to a series of similar offences across Victoria recently.

“We are requesting information from the public or anyone with dash camera and or CCTV footage from about that time,” the spokesperson said.

The three vehicles are:

A white 2012 Toyota LandCruiser (registration ZIB-579) valued at $40,000,

A white 2008 LandCruiser (YZU-560) valued at $38,000, and

A silver 2017 LandCruiser wagon (2BH-5OO) valued at $80,000.

Taylor Motors owner Adam Taylor said it was a brazen theft and served as a warning to what can happen.

“The actual crime happened around 3-3.30am – they were driving around in a Commodore sedan and the other vehicle was a Subaru wagon – that’s all we know.

“They’ve tried to steal another two vehicles – they were later model cars but they couldn’t get them started,” he said.

“It’s how easily they’re doing it that’s the problem.

“They don’t need keys – all our keys are well and truly locked up.

“They’ve smashed windows and plugged in an electronic device to get them started.

“They damaged another two vehicles trying to get them started.

“Be vigilant with your vehicles – keep your vehicles locked and keys as far away as possible from the vehicle.”

Anyone who has any information relating to the thefts is asked to please get in touch with Hamilton CIU or call Crime Stoppers.

The investigation is ongoing.