Glove box lock defeated in seconds... - Toyota 4Runner Forum

jawkdna · 12-19-2019, 08:48 PM

I know this really isn't anything new, but rather a reminder not to rely on the lock on the glove box to protect / secure anything valuable.
I recently left my car unlocked overnight and had my car gutted of anything of value... the glove box was locked and the button was pried off and the glove box opened.
Seems like it takes about 7 seconds to break into.

Brownfaux · 12-20-2019, 05:06 AM

I've been a cop for 12 years in a smallish city (40k population bedroom community). Taken a lot of vehicle burglary reports. Thieves taking the time to try and defeat a glove box lock is rare (at least where I am) The scenarios these days are items left in plain sight, or unlocked doors. All they want are credit cards to run to WalMart and buy as many iPhones or gift cards as they can.

While I agree that if our glove box lock is that flimsy, you probably shouldn't bet your life on it, I would still advise that it's sufficient for 80% of what people are using it for.

Tisoy281 · 12-20-2019, 08:54 AM

This is why I bought the console vault for my middle console. If I ever have to leave anything of value, or my gun, in my truck I will lock it up in there and feel good knowing that it is safe.

JAXJeremy · 12-20-2019, 09:31 AM

my general rule of thumb is not to leave anything in my car that I wouldn't want stolen..

FZRunner · 12-20-2019, 10:20 AM

In my area a good pry bar is the tool of choice. Tweakers risk/reward being what it is, your stuff is best kept elsewhere unless you have a garage. Usually it's a shattered window, and a ripped up interior. I had someone smash my side window in my original T4R some 28 years ago for change in the ash tray. Lesson learned. If someone, amateur or pro, really wants your stuff....well, you know.
Ps Fun fact. I have a Swat commander neighbor down the street. His SUV got hit a while back. Nobody's safe from everything.

mteolus · 12-20-2019, 01:55 PM

This is what I use. Lock'er Down.

SpeedyKevin · 12-20-2019, 01:57 PM

Well damn *runs to car and takes out the hilift and rotopax lock keys from glove box*

Ripper238 · 12-20-2019, 02:02 PM

Any lock that uses a key is easily defeatable. Locks seem to be just a deterrent, helping honest people stay honest. This is why an alarm with remote notification is important.

Thanks for sharing how it came apart.

Bumbo · 12-20-2019, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ripper238

Any lock that uses a key is easily defeatable. Locks seem to be just a deterrent, .

Generally speaking I don't disagree, but the game changes once you step into the world of proper high security locks.

None of which can be obtained at a big box store like Home Depot.

These days my locks come from Assa Abloy, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock to name a few. On top of that… it’s all master keyed. My padlocks are in the same system as my home door locks.

jhguth · 12-20-2019, 03:01 PM

doesn't matter how fancy your lock is if it's locking a soft plastic container

Bumbo · 12-20-2019, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhguth

doesn't matter how fancy your lock is if it's locking a soft plastic container

I agree... but the point of these fancy locks isn't just to keep people out, it’s to show proof positive that there was an intrusion. Most all entry into a high security lock will be destructive, which is a very positive thing from a personal awareness / claims / insurance standpoint.

If you can pick or bypass locks easily and someone can get in and out without any sign of tampering, it can be a negative thing. In some instances, you may never even know it happened, and that is dangerous in its own right.

Ripper238 · 12-20-2019, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumbo

Generally speaking I don't disagree, but the game changes once you step into the world of proper high security locks.

None of which can be obtained at a big box store like Home Depot.

These days my locks come from Assa Abloy, Medeco, Mul-T-Lock to name a few. On top of that… it’s all master keyed. My padlocks are in the same system as my home door locks.

100%

I wish i could get a Mul-T-Lock for my 4R.

Bumbo · 12-20-2019, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ripper238

100%

I wish i could get a Mul-T-Lock for my 4R.

I have one... but it's not in my ignition. It's an Mul-T-Lock switch lock which I used as a kill switch on my 4th gen. Details withheld for obvious reasons.

Electrical Kill Switch

Most truck owners should look at Bolt Lock. You can use your OEM 4Runner key for trailer hitch pins, padlocks, toolboxes, cable locks and more.

Home :: BOLT Lock

It's still much better security than a crappy Master Lock and more convenient. I got too many keys as it is and stuff like this helps from a key management standpoint.

sakoluvr · 11-03-2022, 10:29 AM

Can someone tell me how to remove and replace the latch. I will need to by a new cylinder lock too. Thanks!!

bigdaddy2021 · 11-03-2022, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAXJeremy

my general rule of thumb is not to leave anything in my car that I wouldn't want stolen..

x2, there it is.

Several of my cop buddies go to the extent of leaving their windows down (unless it's going to rain, which it hardly does in SoCal) and doors unlocked with a club installed. They don't want their door assemblies broken, nor do they want the inconvenience of having their trucks stolen.

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