If you live in South Africa, owning a car with high-end security features doesn’t make you you immune to theft. In Mzansi, festive season travel can easily turn sour as criminals also prepare for their festive season by stealing your car. In fact, a local automotive intelligence says criminal syndicates are using “sophisticated technology to target high-end and luxury vehicles featuring keyless or smart entry systems and emergency start capabilities”. If you’re traveling this festive season, or just driving out to buy some milk or festive treats, look out for these vehicle theft trends that could leave you walking into the new year.
According to South African Police Services (SAPS) quarterly crime statistics from Q2 2022, 9,937 instances of car theft were recorded between 1 July and 30 September 2022. This is the equivalent of 110 cars stolen each day. And these are just the recorded thefts. In South Africa, even stolen cars are stolen sometimes.
Read more: South African’s police will be more active on the roads this December, looking out for these issues
How vehicle theft happens in SA
Intelligence gathered by Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) notes how cyber-attacks by criminals often exploit computer-controlled systems in cars to gain access. Computer-controlled attacks include: CAN Attacks, Fob Relaying, and a combination of Forced Entry and Key Cloning.
“The CAN Attack happens when the vehicle’s Control Area Network is infiltrated using highly sophisticated electronic equipment to gain entry and then access the computer system to start the engine,” says Toyota.
Thieves use Fob Relaying by using high-tech receivers and transmitters to read the vehicle’s security key remotely. The thief is able to unlock and start the vehicle while the car keys are still with the owner.
“Forced Entry and Key Cloning, is executed using advanced techniques and equipment to disable the vehicle’s alarm system, and then cloning its security key,” says Toyota.
Toyota says it’s working with the SAPS to curb the high level of crimes on their cars, which seems to be a necessary step. A simple Google search for cars most targeted for theft reveals more than one Toyota-manufactured car is high on the list. The Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, and Quantum form part of security company Fidelity’s list of the most stolen cars in the country.
Upgrading anti-theft skills
This festive season, it might be a good idea to head in for an upgrade. Some Toyota and Lexus-branded car owners, as of this month, can install additional security features at a “reputable fitment center” for free. Toyota will also install security upgrades to vehicles that come in for a service. New cars from the brand are being sold with additional security features.
Models eligible for security upgrades are:
Hilux Legend models from 2019;
All Fortuner models from 2016;
Land Cruiser Prado (VX and VXL models from 2017);
All Land Cruiser 200 models with Smart Entry
Land Cruiser 300
All Lexus RX and LX models from 2015