GR Yaris UK Surge in Toyota/Lexus thefts

[Ringo]

Unfortunately my elderly father had his 2024 Lexus RX 450h stolen from his drive on Christmas eve morning, even despite the keys being in a faraday pouch and a crook lock fitted to the steering wheel.

It would appear that this therefore was not a “relay” attack but a CANbus attack by gaining accessing to the wiring harness and there are reports that they are doing this by cutting a hole in the rear tailgate.

This got me thinking about how vulnerable my GR Yaris is to this type of theft and should I be taking extra precautions ?

 

[chopper602]

Physical security - retractable bollard on the end of the drive ?

 

[Doodle]

Unfortunately my elderly father had his 2024 Lexus RX 450h stolen from his drive on Christmas eve morning, even despite the keys being in a faraday pouch and a crook lock fitted to the steering wheel.

It would appear that this therefore was not a “relay” attack but a CANbus attack by gaining accessing to the wiring harness and there are reports that they are doing this by cutting a hole in the rear tailgate.

This got me thinking about how vulnerable my GR Yaris is to this type of theft and should I be taking extra precautions ?

I think a lot depends on where the access to the CAN wiring is, for example I think some Toyota models were/are accessed by cutting a hole in the door.

I must admit I haven't worried too much about the GR due to having a faraday pouch and also disabling the remote when locking the car, along with decent home security but if there is a new wave of vunerabilities that would make it a potentially easy target for CAN bus I may have to consider an immobiliser, for peace of mind.

 

[Sekred]

Is not just the UK.

 

[Bat out of Hell]

I think a lot depends on where the access to the CAN wiring is, for example I think some Toyota models were/are accessed by cutting a hole in the door.

I must admit I haven't worried too much about the GR due to having a faraday pouch and also disabling the remote when locking the car, along with decent home security but if there is a new wave of vunerabilities that would make it a potentially easy target for CAN bus I may have to consider an immobiliser, for peace of mind.

Hi, I'm very surprised you haven't got one fitted. That's the 1st thing I did when I took delivery of mine. It's extra protection for your pride and joy, your insurance cost will also reduce. Thatcham website will give you a good idea of what's available . Fitting a tracker is also worth thinking about .

 

[friendlyfire]

Hi, I'm very surprised you haven't got one fitted. That's the 1st thing I did when I took delivery of mine. It's extra protection for your pride and joy, your insurance cost will also reduce. Thatcham website will give you a good idea of what's available . Fitting a tracker is also worth thinking about .

Trackers are one of the easiest and cheapest things for thieves to block now.

 

[Bat out of Hell]

Trackers are one of the easiest and cheapest things for thieves to block now.

That's very interesting, I will have to revert to Mr Beans idea and remove the steering wheel

 

[Doodle]

A tracker isn't something that I would want personally. In the unfortunate event that the car was stolen I wouldn't want it back given how it will most likely have been treated.

 

[Ecsrobin]

Normally I say not to bother with security with the Yaris as they’re not desirable being bespoke unlike a Abarth’s and Fiest ST’s where the parts can be put on lower models.

Tonight the internet showed me this:

 

[Ringo]

Quick update.
My Farther got a call from Essex police on Friday to let him know that they had found his Lexus (and other Toyota/Lexus) in a container at Tilbury Docks. They confirmed that a hole had been cut in the tailgate and that the steering wheel had also been cut to remove the crook lock. Apparently the interior was heavily damaged with wiring pulled out.
Insurance company have already paid out (impressive service from Admiral ) and new car has been ordered and surprise surprise it not a Lexus !

 

[emrrtwo]

Whilst know it seems to be a worldwide problem, it seems pretty bad in Australia as watched numerous youtube videos. At least Toyota Australia seem to be doing something (see statement) which not aware of UK doing similar. Within statement it quotes -
'in addition, Toyota is developing factory-approved genuine accessories, including an additional immobiliser, to combat this issue. Further updates will be announced as soon as possible.'
Suspect they will be selling these when could argue should be given to existing customers but we all know that wont happen
full statement copied from

TOYOTA AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES MEASURES TO HELP COMBAT VEHICLE THEFT

As a global automotive leader, Toyota is working to address Australia’s ongoing

pressroom.toyota.com.au