4 Runner back

[billnourse]

Got my 2017 TRD Off Road that was stolen in November out of the shop. So far all is well. I can't tell where it was damaged, it is as clean inside as when it was taken with no smell of smoke, and it runs and handles the same. The final damage total was a little over 15,000.

I did get a TRD Pro grill out of the deal. The original grill was damaged and had to be replaced so I asked if the would use the Pro instead of the Off Road and they did.

After I picked it up, I found that the map chip had been taken. I'm guessing they thought it could be traced if the chip was present, so I had to add another 227.00 to the bill, but the dealer had it in stock and I didn't have to order and wait.

Now it gets good. When I went to re-pair my phone I found that the thieves had paired 2 phones and left the numbers. Now I know the Aurora Police Department has shown no interest in investigating this case, but with this information maybe they will get off their lazy asses and at least talk to the people that these phone numbers belong to. Not holding out a lot of hope, but maybe.

Bill

 

[roborob1969]

Glad to hear that you got your rig back -- and with the TRD OEM front grill -- what a bonus for what otherwise was a devastating experience to go through.

Here in Dallas, there have been a lot of vehicle thefts, so I'm putting in an updated security system in my rig (motion, glass break, proximity, gps, etc.).

 

[thennen]

Got my 2017 TRD Off Road that was stolen in November out of the shop. So far all is well. I can't tell where it was damaged, it is as clean inside as when it was taken with no smell of smoke, and it runs and handles the same. The final damage total was a little over 15,000.

I did get a TRD Pro grill out of the deal. The original grill was damaged and had to be replaced so I asked if the would use the Pro instead of the Off Road and they did.

After I picked it up, I found that the map chip had been taken. I'm guessing they thought it could be traced if the chip was present, so I had to add another 227.00 to the bill, but the dealer had it in stock and I didn't have to order and wait.

Now it gets good. When I went to re-pair my phone I found that the thieves had paired 2 phones and left the numbers. Now I know the Aurora Police Department has shown no interest in investigating this case, but with this information maybe they will get off their lazy asses and at least talk to the people that these phone numbers belong to. Not holding out a lot of hope, but maybe.

Bill

Glad to hear this result, and that the truck is good. Now hopefully those phone numbers will lead somewhere.

Has anyone offered an explanation as to how it was stolen? Towed or driven away? If driven, how was that done, etc. Forgive me if you already explained and I missed it.

 

[billnourse]

Has anyone offered an explanation as to how it was stolen? Towed or driven away? If driven, how was that done, etc. Forgive me if you already explained and I missed it.

Don't know how it was taken. I got out and locked it on Wednesday. At least I pushed the button on the key and heard a beep. Now I physically pull the handle to check. On Monday morning it was gone. No broken windows, I had the keys in my pocket, and when it was recovered the ignition was not damaged. It was driven, the tracks in the snow were plain.

When I got home I could not find the spare key that came with the vehicle. I wonder if it might not have inadvertently been left in the glove box with the owners manual????? Still does not explain how they got in the vehicle without breaking something.

But, the people involved in my theft have been involved in several other auto thefts in the area, and property left in my vehicle appears to be from at least two other auto thefts. There were 2 garage door openers, a handicap placard, and a manual for a 2010 Honda Accord. It seems that auto theft is just what they do, so maybe they have ways. I just don't know.

I am still losing sleep wondering what I did wrong and what I could do different. I did get a club for all of my vehicles, but I'm not sure how effective that will be.

 

[thennen]

Don't know how it was taken. I got out and locked it on Wednesday. At least I pushed the button on the key and heard a beep. Now I physically pull the handle to check. On Monday morning it was gone. No broken windows, I had the keys in my pocket, and when it was recovered the ignition was not damaged. It was driven, the tracks in the snow were plain.

When I got home I could not find the spare key that came with the vehicle. I wonder if it might not have inadvertently been left in the glove box with the owners manual????? Still does not explain how they got in the vehicle without breaking something.

But, the people involved in my theft have been involved in several other auto thefts in the area, and property left in my vehicle appears to be from at least two other auto thefts. There were 2 garage door openers, a handicap placard, and a manual for a 2010 Honda Accord. It seems that auto theft is just what they do, so maybe they have ways. I just don't know.

I am still losing sleep wondering what I did wrong and what I could do different. I did get a club for all of my vehicles, but I'm not sure how effective that will be.

That's crazy, how they got in and how they drove it. Unless it was unlocked at some earlier point, and they checked the glove box, got the key, and returned later to steal.

The best thing is that you have it back.

Rather than lose sleep about what you 'did wrong' (nothing?), spend that time thinking of one way to slow down the crooks, then implement it. Such as removing the EFI fuse. Then, think of one more thing, and implement that (remote starter cutoff switch?). That may be enough.

 

[flyrv9]

I don't know if newer steering wheels are different, but defeating the club was pretty easy with a hack saw. You saw the wheel and then spread the pieces apart and then slide the club out. Takes about 30 sec.

 

[4FL]

Well, the bright side is that you got a Pro grill out of it! lol

 

[SCMountaineer]

Don't lose sleep beating yourself up. Damn thieves will find a way whether we make it easy on them or not.