According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), cases of vehicle-related crimes in England and Wales have significantly declined over the past few decades. While this is comforting news for car owners and a broad recognition of the improved security measures included as standard in new vehicles, we should remember that car thieves have not stopped operating.
It is therefore important not to become casual about vehicle security and run the risk of becoming a statistic ourselves. With that in mind, the following seven points are our top recommendations for improving car security.
1. Lock your car
This advice may seem obvious but ONS crime figures show that car owners consistently forget to apply this most basic security feature. Almost half of all vehicle-related thefts are because thieves had gained access through an unlocked door.
Get in the habit of always locking up, even if you will only be away from the car for a few seconds. Don’t solely rely on a quick press of the key fob either: check for audible or visual signals that the car has actually locked before you walk away. And if your Lexus has door mirrors that can automatically fold in when the car is locked, be sure to activate this feature – potential thieves recognise it is a clear visual sign of a locked car.
2. Keep valuables out of sight
Opportunist thieves are often looking for easy-to-grab valuables that have been left on display. Police report that items such as jewellery, bags, purses and wallets, cash, credit cards, clothes and documents are the most commonly stolen in vehicle-related crimes.
Reduce this risk by stashing valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or boot. Better still, take those items away with you. And if you’re going to leave the car for a longer period of time, consider clearing the boot entirely and removing the parcel shelf or load cover to show thieves that there is nothing to steal.
3. Be mindful of signals
Most modern Lexus models are equipped with a keyless entry and start system – a convenience which sends a constant signal from the key fob in order to unlock the vehicle’s doors and de-activate the immobiliser as you approach. Although it is possible for tech-savvy thieves with special equipment to hijack this signal, they must be in close proximity to the key or vehicle.
So if you doubt the intentions of anybody in the immediate vicinity of your vehicle, wait for them to leave before approaching the car. Better still, whenever you are not driving, block the signal from the key by keeping it in a metal box or Faraday pouch. This is equally important at home as thieves can use a ‘daisy chain’ of receivers to relay the signal from the key (which is probably kept near the front door) to open the car.
4. Secure your port
Every new car sold in the UK since 2003 has been equipped with an on-board diagnostic port. Abbreviated to OBD, this port is a computer connection that allows the car to communicate messages about its mechanical health to an authorised technician. Unfortunately, thieves have discovered that with special equipment they can use this OBD port to programme blank keys to work with the car.
For this reason, some owners choose to secure their OBD port with an aftermarket lock. Typically, this can either be a lockable metal box that covers the port itself, or an electronic lock that works alongside the original immobiliser to disable the port when the ignition is off.
5. Protect your cat
Your catalytic converter, that is. The ‘cat’ forms part of your car’s emissions control system and cleans exhaust gases before they are expelled through the tailpipe. Unfortunately, the precious metals inside the cat that help to neutralise these passing gases are exactly that – precious. Which means that the catalytic converter itself has become a target for thieves.
Lexus UK has taken action to deter thieves by issuing thousands of SmartWater invisible marking kits to local initiatives, as well as providing Lexus customers with a free SmartWater forensic marking service at their local centre. Lexus has also developed a mechanical locking device to deter would-be thieves. These measures are explained in more detail in our dedicated article on catalytic converter theft.
6. Park with care
Thieves do not like performing in front of an audience, so the place where you park has a bearing on the vehicle’s vulnerability. ONS statistics show that the likelihood of experiencing a car-related crime is much lower in busy, town centre parking areas. This is especially true when car parks are well-lit and have manned or CCTV security coverage.
Similarly, the time at which you park your car has a bearing on its security. Most instances of car-related crimes occur in the early hours of the morning, so avoid leaving in your car in a dark, unfamiliar area overnight.
7. Extra security
Modern vehicles invariably come with a high level of built-in security – the specific features of which are usually designed to react in the event of an incident. But there are simple things you can do to actively dissuade a thief from pursuing an attack on your car. These precautions include:
- Using a brightly coloured mechanical device locked across the steering wheel, gear lever or clutch pedal will provide an excellent visual deterrent to a would-be thief. A well-known steering wheel ‘crook lock’ “Stop Lock Pro Elite” is what Lexus would advise fitting to models, particularly RX, NX and UX (other brands of steering wheel locks are available to purchase should you wish).
- We may be living in a digital age but nothing will persuade an opportunist to leave your car alone more effectively than a good old-fashioned piece of ironmongery. Or for that matter, a snarling dog.
More information on preventing car crime can be found by visiting the Police UK website – www.police.uk – and by searching ‘car crime’.
I had my locked 2018 RX450h stolen last September (2023) in broad daylight from a supermarket car park in North Edmonton, London. The police suggested is was most likely stolen by either the CAN bus method or by intercepting the coded emission from my key fob when I parked my vehicle.
Car was never recovered and I have replaced with a new NX350 but am having difficulty is being given absolute confirmation of the level of security on this new model to prevent the same thing happening again! I have bought a very visible steering wheel lock as a deterrent and put my key straight into a faraday pouch immediately after looking it.
I was thinking of having a Ghost immobliser fitted but am struggling to establish which if any Lexus recommend, and of course that wouldn’t invalidate my warranty.
I experience anxiety as I return to my car after leaving it parked anywhere and cannot believe this is acceptable having invested c£45k for something I should be enjoying owning – at times I wish I’d replaced the stolen car with a less luxurious and lot cheaper banger!
Hi Stephen, thanks for your comment.
We’re really sorry to hear that you have been a victim of this crime. The steering lock is a great idea and should hopefully be enough to deter theieves along to another target, but sadly they are extremely determined in their efforts these days.
We do not have a recommendation for a secondary immobilisier, but it is a common approach. Whilst fitting this would not immediately invalidate your warranty, if a potential fault were to be diagnosed as linked to, or caused by the immobiliser, a warranty claim could be refused on this basis. We would recommend sourcing and fitting from a reputable supplier to ensure correct and appropriate fitment, your local Lexus Centre may be able to advise on a local provider to you.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
Go for a Starline i96 immobiliser. Best £600 I spent and prevented other repeated thefts. It’s a shame Lexus can’t retrofit as part of the rectification works.
LC500 – I’ve fitted a tracker and immobiliser to prevent canbus theft. I also use a steering wheel lock as recommended by
Lexus. I can confirm the LC has the Lexus canbus vulnerability, along with RX, UX, NX, ES and others.
I’m considering a Lexus, I’ve had 2 in the past but reading how easy they are too steal I’m surprised you haven’t entered into a partnership with someone like AutoGhost to offer a discounted easy access solution.
Hi Dave, thanks for your comment.
Sadly, nearly every vehicle on the road is vulnerable at the moment. Whilst we do not have an affiliation with a secondary immobiliser provider, this is something that your Lexus Centre can assist with in finding a local option.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
My 2020 plate Lexus NX 300 H has been targeted by thieves of 4 occasions using the Can Bus method via the front passenger wheel arch behind the headlights. This is a design flaw on the part of Lexus and many Toyotas, making the cars vulnerable.
I have a ghost 11 immobiliser, steering wheel lock, dash cam and linked to Lexus Link. None of these have prevented thieves from attempting to steel my vehicle recently and I fear it’s only a matter of time.
The wheel arch is made of poor quality plastic with plastic clips that are easy to remove with minimal noise.
The thieves also managed to disable or freeze the LexusLink tracking on the car. I also parked the car at a different location the day after one attempt last week and they still managed to located my vehicle. Leads me to wonder if they have been able to access the LexusLink find my Lexus feature somehow??
What are Lexus doing about this design flaw and vulnerability? I would like to see a retrofit solution made available
Hi Nadia, thanks for your comment.
Please could you give send the Customer Relations team an email to cr@lexus.co.uk confirming your contact details. If you could provide the same detail that you have in this comment, the team can check on your Lexus Link+ account.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
My last two cars have been Lexus NX’s and sadly I won’t be having one again and now actively warn people against buying either Lexus or Toyota.
This is a real shame because I love the cars and the dealers are generally good but the response to the canbus attack method is disgraceful. As is so often the case it’s not the issue but the response that is the problem.
The reality is that some models are pitifully easy to steal when used as supplied. I’d expect Lexus to at least be covering the labour cost of having a fit for purpose immobiliser installed if not covering the full cost.
My RX450 was stolen for the second time last week, at 4.15 a.m. from directly outside my house. I watched it being stolen subsequently on the CCTV I had installed. It was the front wheel arch electronic software syndrome, took them 2 minutes to start the car. Then the Stoplock Pro Elite wheel immobiliser was cut through in about 20 seconds in a blaze of sparks. No protection whatsoever. I’m disturbed to read above that even the Ghost II immobilser didn’t prevent that theft, even though Ghost II say that very very few cars are stolen when that is fitted. I was considering investing in one, but the chances are crooks have some way round even that. I did have excellent tracker fitted, so the car was recovered.. I’m yet to find in what condition. So, the insecure system just remains in the hands of Lexus/Toyota who one can only hope are moving with pace to taking their car security system in hand and finding solutions. Otherwise, an excellent brand is in danger of losing loyal customers.
Morning Stephen.
We’re sorry to hear you’ve been a victim to crime and for the distress and inconvenience this would have caused. Unfortunately, criminals are continuing to find ways around new security technology. Please be assured that we are working with relevant parties including the police to put a stop to this horrible crime.
The protective plate fitment has been tested as a form of additional deterrent for the Lexus RX. Whilst this is not yet a standard feature, we are working towards various methods of counterattack to the recent rise in theft and vehicle attacks.
Your local Lexus Centre is best placed to advise further and assist if you have any further questions on additional security measures for your car.
Thank you.
Under 4 Secure Your Port , you suggest
“For this reason, some owners choose to secure their OBD port with an aftermarket lock. Typically, this can either be a lockable metal box that covers the port itself, or an electronic lock that works alongside the original immobiliser to disable the port when the ignition is off.
Out of 40,099 registered RX’s , 865 were stolen in 2023. That’s 1 in 46.
Thefts of all Lexus cars have risen by over 500% in 2023.
Shouldn’t it be Lexus that is doing something to make our cars more secure, rather than put the onus on its customers to purchase aftermarket products, having already paid premium prices in the first place.
The indifference of Toyota/Lexus to admit to and resolve a problem of its own making, ie, Canbus theft is jaw dropping.
At least Range Rover recognised that it had problem and is already taking measures to fix.
It would appear that my iPhone is more secure than my car.
Good afternoon John, thank you for getting in touch.
Unfortunately, criminals are continuing to find ways around new security technology. Please be assured that we are working with relevant parties including the police to put a stop to this horrible crime.
Currently, the metal protective box is available for the Lexus RX. Your local Lexus Centre is best placed to advise further and assist if you have any further questions on additional security measures for your car.
Please be assured that we are doing all that we can to mitigate the risk of theft of our vehicle offerings.
Thank you.
Hi
I have a 4th generation rx450h also.
Are these metal protective boxes available at all dealers free of charge outside of London??
I use Lexus Wolverhampton
Hello Paul,
Thanks for your comment.
You will also be able to have this Vehicle Protective Plate fitted.
Please contact Lexus Wolverhampton for further assistance.
Thanks.
Are these metal plate/boxes available for NX 450h+ 2022 reg? If so I live in the midlands near Derby/Nottingham. Can I get it fitted at a local dealer FOC?
Hi Alfred, thank you for getting in touch.
We would need to check the production date of your vehicle in order to confirm the risk level.
Thank you,
Lexus UK
Hi after watching the BBC tonight I’m worried too.i have a 2018 nx 300h f sport that has already tried to be taken once .
Can you fit a protective plate as its a massive issue seeing a 300% rise
Hi there, thanks for getting in touch.
We would need to double check the production date of your vehicle with the registration number, but it is likely that your vehilce is deemed an at risk model.
We are working to introduce a new software update that would address this and is predicted to become available in April. Your local Lexus Centre is best placed to discuss further.
Thank you,
Lexus UK.