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’.
Is my 2012 RX 450h at risk ? Do I need to get the CPP fitted asap ?
Good afternoon Frank, thank you for getting in touch.
We are pleased to confirm that your 2012 Lexus RX does not have the technology that enables CAN bus thefts. Therefore the vehicle protection plate is not required for your car. Additionally, the enhanced security upgrade will not be applicable to your 2012 Lexus RX.
We hope this offers you some clarity on the matter.
Here are our top recommendations for improving car security: https://mag.lexus.co.uk/car-security-advice-and-tips
Thank you.
Is my 2021 NX300 at risk ? Registered in March
Do I need CCP fitted?
Good afternoon Raf,
Thanks for your comment, please may we take your registration?
RO71***
Hi Raf, thank you for your comment.
We can confirm that your Lexus NX is deemed as a vulnerable model in terms of CANbus theft. We will send you an email requesting further information so we can notify you when further security updates become available.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
Can you confirm if my 2021 Lexus UX needs a VPP fitting. Our car was recently broken into with no damage to doors or windows, but the side panels and wiring inside were torn out. Any information would be much appreciated
Hi RJ, thanks for getting in touch.
There is no VPP for the Lexus UX currently. We are currently working on further security updates and would recommend registering your interest with your local Lexus Centre who can keep you updated.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
What about my GS300 2015, do I need to step up my security before it’s too late.
Hi Amit, thanks for your comment.
We would need your registration number in order to confirm the risk level of your vehicle.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
Similar ask really. I have 2018 NX300. Do I need to arrange a cpp fitting?
Hi Gary, thanks for your message.
We will need your full registration number to confirm the risk level of your vehicle.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
Full number is BN69***
Hi Gary, thanks for providing that.
We can confirm that your Lexus NX is at risk of CANbus theft. We would recommend getting in touch with your local Lexus Centre to register your vehicle as eligible so they can provide updates when further security updates become available.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
Hi. Just wondering how long I need to wait before you respond to my message of 6th April where I provided my full registration number
Morning Gary
We did respond to you on 8/4/24, with the below but we have a concern were all feeds have been removed which we are currently trying to resolve.
Hi Gary, thanks for providing that.
We can confirm that your Lexus NX is at risk of CANbus theft. We would recommend getting in touch with your local Lexus Centre to register your vehicle as eligible so they can provide updates when further security updates become available.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Kind regards
Well my husband has just had his lexus stolen and was never offered additional security.
His had the car since June.
And is well out of pocket.
Your security is shocking.
Hi Donna, thank you for your message.
We are very sorry to hear that your Husband has been a victim of this crime and for the distress and inconvenience this has 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 rise in theft crime.
Thank you,
Lexus UK
Hello my vehicle reg is GX67*** is this a vulnerable vehicle with the recent spat of thefts? I had my vehicle serviced by Lexus Birmingham 3 weeks ago and specifically asked them about security updates and they dismissed me and said there was nothing.
Hi Alok, thanks for your comment.
Please provide your full registration number so we can confirm, we edit it upon publishing the comment.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
Hulllo purchased Lexux UX Takumi new September 2023
Number Plate KT23 ***
Is my vehicle weak on security
Regards Mr V Pennington
Hi Victor, thanks for your message.
We can confirm that your UX is at risk of CANbus theft. We would recommend getting in touch with your local Lexus Centre who can let you know when further security updates become available.
Thanks,
Lexus UK.
Hi I would like to check if my 2017 Lexus NX is at risk of Canbus theft and if it needs a protection plate?
Hi Sanjay, thanks for your message.
We will need your registration number to confirm the risk level of your vehicle.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
KF17***
Thanks Sanjay.
Only NX300h models between, September 2017 and October 2021, are effected by the CANbus issue.
Kind regards
So does that mean that mine is not at threat? Thanks
Hi Sanjay
No vehicle is immune to criminal intent as mentioned in the article.
Kind regards
Hi
We own a 2023 Lexus RX 350H Premium Plus and I see you recommend a “Stoplock Pro Elite Car Steering Wheel Lock HG 150-00 – Safe Secure Heavy Duty Anti-Theft Bar – Universal Fit” for added security.
This is very helpful, but when I was looking for a similar device it became apparent that not all designs fit all cars.
The model you highlighted on Amazon, does state “Universal Fit”, but I am cautious.
Can you please confirm that this particular model will fit my car.
Many thanks
Greg Taylor
Hi Greg, thanks for getting in touch.
As far as we are aware, this should be a match for your vehicle. However, it would need to be confirmed with the manufacturer of the accessory directly.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
Hello,
Can you please confirm whether my wife’s Lexus UX 250h – Registered September 2023 (RO73xxx) has all of the new security features ?
Such as the VPP (Vehicle Protection plates) and is it vulnerable to CAN bus theft ? Or any other theft for that matter ?
I also understand that Lexus are reviewing security for the Lexus UX 250h and will provide recommendations at the end of April ’24, is this true ?
Appreciate your response on this please.
Hi Steve,
May we have your full registration and we can look in to this for you.
kind regards
RO73***
Thanks for supplying your registration Steve
This vehicle is not affected by CANbus theft.
There is are no vehicle protection plates available for UX.
Every vehicle has the risk of being stolen but we are only aware of two methods, and they are CANbus theft and Relay theft.
Relay theft can be prevented if keys are kept in a faraday pouch.
Kind regards
That is good to know. Thank you very much for your response.
Please advise for my NX300H. The reg is VK19 ***
Hi Harpreet, thanks for getting in touch.
Unfortunately your NX is deemed as vulnerable to CANbus theft. We would recommend getting in touch with your local Lexus Centre to register it as eligible for the future security upgrade.
Thanks,
Lexus UK