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’.
Hi, I have ordered a new RX 450+, the dealer has ordered the car and I have been informed it is being built. I ordered the Takumi version, which for me has been a hard ask financially.
Tonight I have watched a BBC programme which states that Lexus cars are easily being stolen and are amongst the most stolen cars in the uk. I understand that you are issuing some owners with protection plates that are fitted by the dealers. Can you tell me if these are being fitted when the cars are built now, if not why not ? If they aren’t will the dealer fit it before I take delivery of the car
Hi William, thanks for your comment and congratulations on your new purchase.
We introduced enhanced security software on the RX from November 2022 production, so your new RX will not be deemed as a high risk model for CAN bus theft.
This being said, additional security measures are always advisable for high value vehicles. There are many options available should you wish to look into them, from steering/wheel locks to parking posts. Your local Lexus Centre is best placed to provide further advice on this.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
Hi. I was just about to order a new Lexus 450h NX Takumi but I having seen that there is a high risk of theft I am having second thoughts. Is this vehicle vulnerable to Can Bus theft.
Hello Ron, thanks for getting in touch.
We’re pleased to hear you’re considering a Lexus NX.
In October 2021 (introduction of NG NX), a new security platform started to be rolled out. There are no reports of theft using the CAN bus injection method on any model with the new platform.
We hope this helps, thank you.
I too have watched the BBC programme. I have a 2016 RC300h F sport. Is my much loved car at risk of being stolen by using the CanBus method or similar?
Hi Maz, thank you for your comment.
Please may you confirm your registration number so we can check the production date of your vehicle.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
I’m concerned about the security vulnerabilities of our 2022 Lexus UX – can you advise what is recommended and what our dealer -Lexus Stoke – can do to help?
Hello Michael,
Unfortunately, as per our latest statement, the UX is a targeted model.
However, following significant investments, newly developed official Lexus security hardware components will be available very soon to fit to these targeted models.
The exact timings of the security enhancement are still to be confirmed. We anticipate being able to advise Centres with full details before the end of April.
If you wish to read our full statement, you can do so here – https://mag.lexus.co.uk/lexus-uk-statement-on-vehicle-theft/.
Thanks.
Supposed to pick up my secondhand Lexus NX 300h 2020 next will it need Can bus plates fitted and if so will this be free of charge, thinking of cancelling order but have paid big deposit
Hello Michael,
Please provide the vehicle registration of the NX so that we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
I too have watched the BBC programme tonight and learned that my Lexus ES is potentially affected by this design fault. Please let me know if my car is affected and what you intend to do about it. My Reg is DA70WJJ
Hello Mike,
Unfortunately, as per our latest statement, the ES is a targeted model.
However, following significant investments, newly developed official Lexus security hardware components will be available very soon to fit to these targeted models.
The exact timings of the security enhancement are still to be confirmed. We anticipate being able to advise Centres with full details before the end of April.
If you wish to read our full statement, you can do so here – https://mag.lexus.co.uk/lexus-uk-statement-on-vehicle-theft/.
Thanks.
Do you realise how much insurance companies are fleecing us because of this? I have an April 23 es and my new insurance due on 19 April has been increased from £600 to £2782! My car goes in for its first service on 25 March so I doubt it will be ready then. Extract your digits please. You are costing us dearly!
Hi Alan, thank you for sharing your thoughts.
There are a number of theft prevention measures that customers can take to enhance the security of their vehicle, such as secondary immobilisers.
Most insurers will consider these alongside a range of other factors relating to the individual vehicle and customers circumstances.
We will always strive to offer the best quote possible for our customers, where it’s possible to do so, taking into account a broad range of factors.
We suggest that customers wishing to obtain car insurance contact our specialist Insurance Services team on 0330 333 5575 for assistance.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
I have a Lexus NX and live in the Manchester area. Can I have the Can Bus metal box cover fitted at my local Lexus Service Centre.
Also as my vehicle is under warranty would the cost of the unit and the labour to fit it be free. As it would appear this is a defect Lexus have known about for sometime now and therefore they should cover the cost if an owner requests the fitting of this important and simple vehicle security device.
Hello Steve,
Please may you provide your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Reg No: R200 AAS
Model: NX 350
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve, thanks for providing those details.
We can confirm that your NX was manufactured in September 2022 so is not listed as a high risk vehicle.
This being said, we would recommend secondary precautionary mesaures on any high value vehicle so you may wish to consider a visual deterrent such as a steering lock.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
It’s about time you stopped burying your heads in the sand and do something about this now or you will lose even more customers.
Dear all,
This morning my car was stolen from my house. I had NX model. I have both car key with me and somebody came and stolen the car. I always think Lexus security is ahead.
Thanks for your promp reply.I don’t feel comfortable sharing my reg here as any criminal who can override the security on a Lexus could, with my reg number find out my address and it would be an open invitation. Is there any other way you could deal with my question please?
Hello Maz,
Please send a private message to the Lexus UK Facebook account and we will investigate this for you there.
Thanks.
Thanks for your reply. LEXUS uk Facebook comes up as ‘unavailable at the moment’. Guess I’ll have to hope I’m not on the vulnerable list.
Maz
I also saw the BBC programme and I have a 2018 Lexus CT200 and which was stolen but luckily got back.
Does my car require this metal plate and if so where can I have it fitted?
Hello Gerard,
Thanks for your comment.
The CT is not impacted as the technology that enables CAN bus theft isn’t in this vehicle
Thanks.
My Lexus NX 350 was built 9 August 2022 is it fitted with CAN bus plate?
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for your comment.
Please can you provide your registration number and we can check this for you.
We look forward to receiving this shortly.
Thank you.
My Lexus nx300h which I bought in October 2023 was stolen yesterday night … I’m even more devastated reading about Lexus security vulnerabilities on here which I didn’t know before now… Is there any way Lexus can assist me in this situation please.. I bought the car through a dealer
Morning Ike,
We’re sorry to hear you’ve been a victim to crime and for the distress and inconvenience this is causing. 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.
We’d recommend reporting this to your local authorities.
Thank you.