RayBrown

22 hours ago, ColinBarber said:

Yes, the CAN bus attack allows them to disable the alarm and unlock the vehicle. Then with access to the OBDII port they can programme a key, disable the immobiliser and drive away.

I understand now. Surely Lexus could make access to the wiring loom from the Wheel arch more difficult. Perhaps just a plastic / metal cover so that it can only be accessed with the bonnet open. The chances of setting the alarm off would be much higher and would be better than the fuss/expense of an aftermarket immobiliser or lockable cover for the OBD.

The problem with aftermarket immobiliser/locks on the OBD is that the thieves don't know they are fitted until they get to the OBD. They've already done damage at that point. A deterrent fitted by Lexus on new models would at least be known to the thieves not to bother. 

On 1/25/2023 at 5:12 PM, ColinBarber said:

To further add to this, in the Lexus mag. they talk about security and make this specific point below, which they wouldn't do if it caused warranty issues:

Secure your port

Every new car sold in the UK since 2003 has been equipped with an on-board diagnostic port. Abbreviated to OBD, this port is a computer connection that allows the car to communicate messages about its mechanical health to an authorised technician. Unfortunately, thieves have discovered that with special equipment they can use this OBD port to programme blank keys to work with the car.

For this reason, some owners choose to secure their OBD port with an aftermarket lock. Typically, this can either be a lockable metal box that covers the port itself, or an electronic lock that works alongside the original immobiliser to disable the port when the ignition is off.

 

https://mag.lexus.co.uk/car-security-advice-and-tips

I got advice from Lexus that suggested this action, but the OBD is accessed fro inside the car.

If the car is locked then I assume the thieves are messing t-with the headlight wiring loom to simply open the car to access the OBD?

7 hours ago, Mr Vlad said:

So much for technology. Its designed to help us but its the worst because it works against us. Hope your insurance doesn't fob you off against repair costs. 

Fortunately the damage is limited to broken clips.

I've managed to push the bumper and wheel arch trim back ok but its a bit loose.

Local bodyshop suggested sticking it back with araldite as a simple cheap solution. I think I'll do that as it will make it harder for thieves to rip it off in future

12 hours ago, DavidCM said:

From watching a few security videos of RX thefts,it sounds more like an attempt at stealing your car.

Wow, I never knew they could do that.

They must have been novices and set the alarm off by mistake

I had 4 people on my driveway at 3am last Monday trying remove the front passenger side my headlight.

They pulled back the wheel arch trim and then pulled the bumper back. This gave them limited access to the engine bay where they disconnected the headlight. Fortunately the alarm went off and they scarpered. I heard the alarm and looked out the front but saw nothing wrong. I assumed it was the weather causing the alarm so I just turned it off. It wasn't until the morning when i was going out that i saw the damage and only when I started to drive did I notice the headlight was disconnected.

Some people advised that headlights are being stolen because they can cost a lot to replace, others say they may have been trying to get to the wiring to start the car and steal it.

Anyone else had any problems with theft of their headlights or car theft via the wiring?

Interested to hear other views on the possibility of stealing the car after accessing the wiring?