My 2020 TRD Pro 4runner stolen by organized crime for resale in Africa

[ElectroBoy]

OP here again with an update...

In addition to removing the SHORT PIN, the thieves also removed the H-LP LH-LO and H-LP RH-LO fuses:

So sorry about your experience. What a violation.

Those missing fuses are for the headlight low beams. Maybe the thieves aren’t up to date on the 2020+ electrical changes. The engine fuse box layout is different from previous years. Perhaps those two locations were previously security-related fuses like the SECURITY and SMART that they routinely pulled.

BTW, before anyone goes out and buys special faraday devices try a cheap low-tech approach first to make sure it works. You just need to enclose it in metal.
Instead of a special bag, wrap it in heavy duty aluminum foil. Instead of a box, use a metal box with a tight press down lid like you get holiday cookies in.

 

[bayaz]

Here’s an investigation done in Canada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gshyozP-GY8&feature=youtu.be

The video shows how thieves can make new keys by plugging into the OBD port within 2 minutes. So Faraday box isn’t a solution.

 

[Salvo Jimmy]

Here’s an investigation done in Canada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gshyozP-GY8&feature=youtu.be

The video shows how thieves can make new keys by plugging into the OBD port within 2 minutes. So Faraday box isn’t a solution.

True enough. Just like hackers, thieves will generally figure a way around most deterrents.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Back in the day I had a restored 1964 VW Bug. To prevent theft, I would pull the cable from the distributor to the coil and drop it in my briefcase. That worked, but it still got stolen out of my wife’s garage where I didn’t pull it.

 

[bayaz]

Back in the day I had a restored 1964 VW Bug. To prevent theft, I would pull the cable from the distributor to the coil and drop it in my briefcase. That worked, but it still got stolen out of my wife’s garage where I didn’t pull it.

One solution for 4x4s can be to put the transfer case into neutral when it’s parked. It would take a pretty knowledgeable thief to figure out how to get the truck moving

 

[ravens_wood]

Honestly, I truly feel sorry for those of you who have to live in the cesspool of urban America. Here in Montana, we don’t lock the doors to our home. Our cars are never at risk of theft. Everyone has guns and they know how to use them. Crime is mainly in the blue cities of Missoula and BozeAngeles.

Appreciate the thoughts and prayers. It's truly a struggle and miracle to make it through the day.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Here’s an investigation done in Canada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gshyozP-GY8&feature=youtu.be

The video shows how thieves can make new keys by plugging into the OBD port within 2 minutes. So Faraday box isn’t a solution.

Damn that video was an eye opener. I already avoided push to start equipped cars due to reliability of the system. Now I have another reason to avoid.

I guess hiding an ignition disabling switch might be the answer. Thieves only know what's stock and in front of their face. They don't have time to hunt for a shut off switch rigged somewhere hidden in the engine compartment.

 

[scanny]

Damn that video was an eye opener. I already avoided push to start equipped cars due to reliability of the system. Now I have another reason to avoid.

I guess hiding an ignition disabling switch might be the answer. Thieves only know what's stock and in front of their face. They don't have time to hunt for a shut off switch rigged somewhere hidden in the engine compartment.

maybe putting a lock to OBD port with deactivating keyfob will be a good solution?

 

[gakattack]

I guess hiding an ignition disabling switch might be the answer. Thieves only know what's stock and in front of their face. They don't have time to hunt for a shut off switch rigged somewhere hidden in the engine compartment.

I wouldn't mount the switch in the engine bay, would be too cumbersome to access. Perhaps hiding a kill switch for the fuel pump relay would be better somewhere in the cabin.

 

[TRDHULK]

This is crazy! I did not realize Toyotas were being targeted.

I work at a dealership in a decent part of town, and Dodges are the target here. We've had multiple Hellcats and other dodges stolen this same way.

 

[kkqewl]

maybe putting a lock to OBD port with deactivating keyfob will be a good solution?

Another solution is to move the exiisting OBD port to new location and then leave a dummy ORD port in the original location, once they are unable move forward quickly they will usually abandon their attempt.

 

[scanny]

Another solution is to move the exiisting OBD port to new location and then leave a dummy ORD port in the original location, once they are unable move forward quickly they will usually abandon their attempt.

I was thinking about it I even found dummy ODB port kit on ebay, but then I looked at ODB port in my truck and realized that it would be hard to hide working port. Would be interesting to see if somebody does it though.

 

[bayaz]

This is crazy! I did not realize Toyotas were being targeted.

I work at a dealership in a decent part of town, and Dodges are the target here. We've had multiple Hellcats and other dodges stolen this same way.

Even very fancy cars get stolen. Here’s a 7 series for sale in Nigeria, still has dealer plates: https://jiji.ng/Idu-industrial/cars/new-bmw-7-series-2022-burgandy-tGKaEo4WdKkkbopipzR8l6m2.html

A Mercedes’ mechanic told me that their keys can’t be programmed so easily by just plugging into the OBD port. So there must be solutions from the manufacturer.

 

[ElectroBoy]

Another solution is to move the exiisting OBD port to new location and then leave a dummy ORD port in the original location, once they are unable move forward quickly they will usually abandon their attempt.

Assuming that any OBDII programming device would need to run on vehicle +12V it might be as simple as a hidden switch inline with the OBD Battery Power (pin 16). Or pulling the OBD fuse.

 

[scanny]

Assuming that any OBDII programming device would need to run on vehicle +12V it might be as simple as a hidden switch inline with the OBD Battery Power (pin 16). Or pulling the OBD fuse.

I've seen on videos that thieves sometimes come with a laptop, so maybe they don't need vehicle 12V...

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Even very fancy cars get stolen. Here’s a 7 series for sale in Nigeria, still has dealer plates: https://jiji.ng/Idu-industrial/cars/new-bmw-7-series-2022-burgandy-tGKaEo4WdKkkbopipzR8l6m2.html

A Mercedes’ mechanic told me that their keys can’t be programmed so easily by just plugging into the OBD port. So there must be solutions from the manufacturer.

Have you ever tried to reset the maintenance indicator on the dash of a Mercedes? Pat your head, rub your belly while singing kimbaya and reading a pff download how to wil take you 1/2 day if you’re lucky.

 

[benhalleniii]

Wow. You're nice.

[MENTION=702680]lets_go_4running[/MENTION]


Drama much?

Just 3 dumb questions for you........

1) If they used an apple airtag... why would they need to get access to your paperwork at the carwash to know your address?

2) What the difference between a "A malicious Apple AirTag" and a normal everyday Apple airtag?

3) If you had an alleged "malicious Apple AirTag" in your possession, why wasn't it given to law enforcement so they could track the owner/account it's tied to. (yes they can, and will)

 

[MJCIII]

wow, this is crazy. Glad you got it back, i like having the regular key in our 2018.

Watched a show on vice about how they steal cars like this all the time, they know exactly where to cut out the gps and safety features. Thieves are becoming very sophisticated these days. The show was showing them stealing mercedes. They were in and out and gone within seconds.

 

[lets_go_4running]

Car was stolen again

OP Here.... ARrrrrg! Was stolen again this morning around 6:30am

Something tells me I won't be getting it back. If anyone sees a green TRD Pro in Montreal with a Thule box on top of the stock TRD Pro rack, check the license plate and please call 911, it's probably mine. Getting a Thule on the stock rack was no easy feat, and I doubt anyone else in town has done it.

 

[BadTrainDriver]

I wouldn't want it back...