Why Are Toyotas Getting Stolen — And How Thieves Are Doing It in 2025
Toyota vehicles have long been praised for their reliability, strong resale value and everyday practicality. Unfortunately, those same strengths also make them some of the most targeted cars for theft in Australia. From the LandCruiser and Prado to the RAV4 and Corolla, Toyota models consistently rank among the most stolen vehicles—and the reasons why might surprise you.
In this blog, we break down why Toyotas are being stolen, how thieves are doing it, and what owners can do to protect themselves.
Why Toyotas Are Being Targeted
1. High Demand in the Second-Hand Market
Toyota vehicles—especially LandCruisers, Prados and Hilux models—hold extraordinary resale value. That means stolen vehicles can be moved quickly, either as whole cars or parted out.
LandCruisers and Prados are particularly desirable in:
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Mining regions
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Export markets
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Rural communities
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4×4 modification circles
This demand fuels organised theft.
2. Strong Overseas Demand
Global shortages of SUVs and 4x4s have created a booming international appetite for used Toyotas. Criminal syndicates often ship stolen LandCruisers and Prados overseas within days.
3. Easy-to-Swap Parts
Toyotas share many interchangeable parts across years and models. This makes them ideal for rebirthing, chop shops or selling components online.
4. Delay in Factory Security Upgrades
While Toyotas are reliable, many models—especially older LandCruisers, Prado 150s and early RAV4 and Corolla hybrids—do not feature industry-leading immobiliser or encryption security.
This makes them easier targets for modern theft techniques.
How Thieves Are Stealing Toyotas Today
Criminals aren’t just smashing windows and hot-wiring anymore. Modern theft is fast, silent and often involves tech tools that can be bought cheaply online.
1. Relay Attacks (Keyless Entry Hacks)
This is the number one method used on newer Toyota models with smart keys, especially:
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RAV4
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Corolla
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Prado
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LandCruiser 300 Series
How it works:
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One thief stands near the house with an amplifier.
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The device boosts the signal from the victim’s key inside the home.
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A second thief near the car receives the extended signal.
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The car unlocks and starts as if the real key was present.
Total time: 5–20 seconds
2. CAN-Bus Injection
This is now the fastest-growing method in Australia and Europe, affecting models like:
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LandCruiser 200/300
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Prado
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RAV4
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Corolla
Thieves access the vehicle’s exposed front CAN-bus system—often through the wheel arch—then plug in an exploit device that:
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Sends a fake “unlock” command
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Clones a valid key signal
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Bypasses the immobiliser
Many Toyotas have predictable CAN-bus layouts, making this method more reliable for thieves.
3. Key Cloning
If thieves gain access to the interior (often through glass-free entry), they can plug into the OBD port and clone a new key in under 1 minute.
This affects almost all Toyota models built before 2020.
4. Breaking In to Steal Keys
Some of the most targeted homes are:
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Rural properties
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Construction sites
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Airbnb accommodation
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Apartments with street-accessible parking
LandCruisers, Prados and Hiluxes are popular with organised crime groups who will enter a home or garage specifically to steal keys.
5. Theft for Parts
Older Corollas and RAV4s are often stolen not for the whole vehicle but for:
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Catalytic converters
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Hybrid battery packs
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Front-end assemblies
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Doors and panels
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Headlights
The thriving parts market makes dismantling extremely profitable.
Most Targeted Toyota Models in Australia (2024–2025)
Based on insurance and police trends:
1. Toyota LandCruiser (200 & 300 Series)
High resale value, huge demand overseas, and vulnerable to CAN-bus attacks.
2. Toyota Prado (Particularly 150 Series)
Increased theft due to high demand for rural and export use.
3. Toyota RAV4
Very high theft rates due to smart-key vulnerabilities and hybrid components.
4. Toyota Corolla
Often targeted for keyless entry exploits, parts theft, and catalytic converters.
How Toyota Owners Can Protect Their Vehicle
1. Install an Aftermarket Immobiliser (Remote or RFID)
Factory immobilisers are no longer enough.
A remote engine immobiliser or RFID kill switch prevents:
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Relay attacks
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CAN-bus spoofing
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Key cloning
Because the thief can start the car… but it will shut down as soon as they shift into gear.
2. Add a Hardwired GPS Tracker
Helps with:
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Real-time location
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Stolen vehicle recovery
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Immobilisation via app (depending on hardware)
3. Use a Steering Wheel Lock
Old-school, but highly effective.
Criminals avoid vehicles that take extra time to steal.
4. Block the Keyless Signal
Use a Faraday pouch or keep keys away from doors/windows.
5. Upgrade OBD Port Security
Options include:
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OBD relocation
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OBD lock box
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Secondary immobiliser
6. Park Smarter
Prefer:
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Locked garages
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Monitored carparks
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Well-lit areas
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Facing vehicles nose-in to obstacles
Final Thoughts
Toyotas are exceptional vehicles—which is exactly why criminals want them.
Whether you drive a LandCruiser, Prado, RAV4 or Corolla, your car may be a high-value target. Modern thieves use fast, sophisticated methods that bypass factory security in seconds.
The good news?
With the right combination of aftermarket immobilisers, GPS tracking, and physical deterrents, Toyota owners can dramatically reduce their risk.
