Neil Epstein

Thank you Colin for your kind response. Well, I guess I could hide a pack of Tracker bars in the boot !!

Thank you Stephen for your kind reply. I know my cars are not garaged but it is a "protected" area now. I will give them a call. it's worth a punt !

Thanks Len, That's a great point about the increased home security and also the insurance I need to mention this to my insurers to try and get my diabolically increased premiums down. I am sure we have ALL seen a ridiculous increase. I'm paying way more for my Honda HRV than I did for Lexus 450

Thank you Len. I've had Honda's before, a CRV and an Accord too. I loved that car. I'm not sure about how easy to Honda's but I know they do not have such a vulnerability as Lexus which I am sure is the reason why Lexus's are so prevalent. I also now have two bollards in the driveway and better CCTV so, fingers crossed, should be ok. 🙂

Thank you Chum. I ended up with an HRV and wifey got a Jazz. We are very happy. Such a shame , I always aspired to Lexus, now I'm glad to rid of them 😔

Thank you GMB. Lexus are aware and are apparently implementing something called a VPP vehicle protection plate. I've not seen any media about it and so remain utterly dismayed. Such a shame because I always wanted Lexus, not anymore ! I now have better CCTV and two bollards in the driveway. The steering wheel locks we had for the recently stolen UX's did not deter them in any way and these were the top end ones. Good bye lexus.

I got paid out very quickly from AVIVA and with the payout i bought two UX250as for the wife and me. AUGUST 9th......BOTH CARS STOLEN !!!!! sick to my stomach. Now we both have Hondas. I've been through 6 LEXUS's and 50% stolen !!

DISGUSTING Sub-humans !

Very very sorry to hear this. Since I made the original post here just a few days ago , I know of five more lexus/Toyota cars stolen just in my local area…and they are those just posted on Social media. thank you so much for your comments and the links. Would also be happy to join forces.

Thank you chum. Definitely a standard response. yep, good evidence for me and also how pathetically easy our cars are to steal. Luckily I had the GAP insurance so I will get the full invoice value back.

No you didn’t miss anything. I guess they are just looking forward to another sale !

Thank you Len. yep, I had considered posts and a steering locks but I do get ambiguous reports about steering locks in particular, however, I am sure they would add some time and be an additional deterrent as you said. The police said that immobilisers and trackers don’t deter nowadays as they are so brazen that they don’t even park the car up to see if it gets collected. This won’t dismiss me from considering it though.

Thank you Zotto. My keys were kept safe at the back of the house. They don’t need to clone them nowadays. The police confirmed that to me.

Thank you Cruisermark. Fortunately I had the GAP insurance so I will receive the full invoice value. It’s just crazy out there. It seems LEXUS are flavour of the month at the moment with at least three others I know of in the local area over three nights.

Thank you chum. I emailed Lexus and this was there response : Good afternoon Neil, Thank you for your email to Lexus UK. I am extremely sorry to hear that your vehicle may have been targeted by organised criminal activity. I can acknowledge how deeply disturbing and upset you may be because of this crime, however I am not able to comment on how these criminals stole your vehicle within 45 seconds. I understand this situation is hugely frustrating. We encourage you to speak with your insurer, as their policy with you is in place for these unforeseen circumstances. I can confirm that Lexus has always worked closely with the police and other authorities to ensure information is carefully shared to help the authorities prevent similar crimes. I must advise that this crime is targeted against many brands, particularly premium brands, due to the fact this is a desirable product. It does appear to be most prevalent within the confines of the M25. Car crimes appear to vary in nature; we are aware of a criminal approach referred to as ‘cannibalisation’ where certain makes and models are targeted for specific parts which go to the black market. Otherwise, cars themselves are targeted by thieves stealing or cloning keys or accessing vehicles by using technology to bypass in car security systems including immobilisers. Recent instances and video footage shared with us has seen thieves with advanced technology being able to break in and start the cars. We are doing all we can to look into the design of our vehicles and update the security features of the vehicle, however at this time the only advice we can offer to keep your vehicle secure moving forwards is to purchase a steering lock, invest in a faraday pouch/box, keeping the car keys away from the front door, We do welcome the chance to take details of your upsetting experience for us to share with the appropriate authorities, but unfortunately, it is with regret that we don't yet have a practical solution to stop these criminals from targeting vehicles. Thank you for contacting Lexus UK and for sharing with us this most disappointing news. If we can help in any other way, then do reach out to us.