Urgent message to everyone who drives a Toyota, Hyundai, Kia or Lexus

Thefts of a number of popular car models have surged over the last 12 months, with thieves increasingly focusing their attention on these motors. It's prompted a warning to owners of these cars to be cautious and take whatever steps they can to help protect them.

There was a big rise in thefts of Toyotas, Hyundais, Kias and Lexus in the West Midlands last year, with these models increasingly at the top of criminals' most wanted list. Fords remain the most nicked car but the total fell in 2023 compared with the previous year.

That compared to massive 408% rise in thefts of Lexus models, a 109% surge in stolen Toyotas and 105% increase in Hyundais being nicked. Kias are also a popular target after a 84% increase in thefts.

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It comes as criminals have had to adapt their methods for stealing cars over recent years to get around modern safety features. They are increasingly managing to do this.

A common trick involves copying digital keys or boosting a car fob signal to trick the car into opening its doors and allowing its engine to start. Police say many of the often expensive motors being stolen are taken to illegal garages, known as chop-shops, where they are cut up and sold for parts on the black market.

Higher value cars are often targeted as owners of these cars were warned to take steps to protect them. This could include parking them in garages or behind locked gates and fitting a steering wheel lock.

Police also advice drivers of modern cars to buy Faraday pouches which can block signal cloning devices and thwart thieves. West Midlands Police and Crime and Commissioner Simon Foster warned: “Criminals are finding ever more sophisticated ways of getting around car security features and it is something that is deeply concerning.

"Cars are sometimes being stolen in less than a minute, as people sleep in their beds."