If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly thinking of ways to prevent your Toyota 4Runner from being stolen. We worked hard to earn our rigs, and the thought of it disappearing is a hard pill to swallow.
No matter where you live, the possibility of auto theft looms, and it pays to be proactive in protecting your pride and joy.
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Modern car thieves have put away their prybars and replaced them with laptops. Understanding the methods thieves use will help you better safeguard your vehicle. Let’s look at what you can do to make sure your 4Runner stays where it belongs—with you.
How to Protect Your 4Runner From Thieves
With the vulnerability of newer Toyota 4Runners with equipped with push-button starts, keeping your rig safe is no longer a matter of simply keeping your doors locked. Car thieves have officially gone high-tech.
Keep it in a Locked Garage
The best way to keep your 4Runner from being stolen is to park it in a locked garage.
Any man door needs a deadbolt lock on it and if you have an electric garage door opener, make sure it isn’t possible for someone to easily slide a coat hanger past the top of the door to hook the red handle (disconnecting it from the opener and allowing the door to be pulled open).
Consider installing motion-sensitive lights and a surveillance camera to deter potential thieves. If your garage has windows, make sure they’re covered up or tinted. Better yet, install metal bars on them to block access.
Park in Well-Lit Areas
Choose parking spots wisely. When a garage is not available, always park your 4Runner in a well-lit area. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles that are easily visible to passersby and surveillance systems.
TIP:
Verify that the lighting covers the entire vicinity of your vehicle to eliminate any potential dark spots an intruder could exploit.
Protect Your Key Fob
Your key fob is a critical component of your vehicle’s security. It’s important to guard against signal interception used by thieves.
Consider using a signal-blocking pouch or box like this Faraday one when the fob is not in use to prevent remote signal amplification, a technique used to gain unauthorized entry to your car.
I’ve read that some people put their fob in a “battery saver” mode, which stops it from transmitting a signal when not in use. This is helpful, as long as you remember to do it when you park your rig.
Immobilizer Systems
Most Toyota 4Runners come with an engine immobilizer, an electronic security device that prevents the engine from running without the correct key or fob. Always use keys with the proper chip and don’t bypass this system, as it provides a significant layer of anti-theft security.
Use a Steering Wheel Lock (The Club)
A steering wheel lock, popularly known as “The Club,” can be a highly effective anti-theft device.
With the right tools and enough time, these can be defeated fairly easily though. The Club serves as more of a visual deterrent, causing a lazy thief to want to move on to an easier car to steal.
Install a Kill Switch
For another layer of protection, consider installing a kill switch, which can interrupt the fuel or electrical systems.
This covert security feature ensures that only someone with knowledge of the switch can operate the vehicle.
A manual switch hidden somewhere in the vehicle will keep your 4Runner from starting no matter how smart a thief is with a laptop.
Upgrade To An Aftermarket Alarm
Modern 4Runners come equipped with factory alarm systems. This will flash your lights and honk your horn but that’s about it.
Many aftermarket alarm systems not only produce a siren but can also notify you instantly via your smartphone. This makes you immediately aware of any unauthorized attempts to enter your vehicle, allowing you to act swiftly.
Install a GPS Tracker
GPS tracking can be a game-changer in recovering your stolen vehicle. By installing something as simple as an Apple Airtag, you ensure that your 4Runner’s location is always known.
If your vehicle is moved without your consent, you receive an immediate alert, and its precise location can be shared with law enforcement for a quick response.
Use Security Cameras
Security cameras positioned to monitor your vehicle can dissuade thieves and provide valuable footage in the event of theft. Integration with your home security system can offer real-time alerts and live footage feed directly to your phone or device.
You can also get dashcams that have “parking monitoring” modes that cause them to turn on and start recording as soon as they notice any movement.
Are Toyota 4Runners Easily Stolen?
4Runners are not particularly easy to steal compared to other modern SUVs. They have consistently been on the radar of car thieves due to their durability, reliability, and high resale value though.
Reports from the National Insurance Crime Bureau highlight an unsettling trend of motor vehicle thefts, with certain Toyota models frequently making their list.
One reason why 4Runners are commonly stolen is that many of their parts are interchangeable with other Toyota models, making replacement parts more desirable.
Additionally, 4Runners are known to last for a long time, making them worth fixing even when they are worn out, further increasing the demand for replacement parts.
Toyota trucks are often stolen and shipped overseas, where they are sold. This was a big problem in Canada a few years ago, with Tundras, Tacomas, 4Runners, Sequoias, and FJ Cruisers all being stolen and shipped overseas.
As a matter of fact, a guy I used to work with had this exact scenario happen to his FJ but luckily, they recovered it in a shipping container.
Common Theft Methods
Key programming is a prevalent technique where a thief gains access into your 4Runner, uses a computer to program a new key, and drives away undetected.
This is made even easier with the new push button start models because they don’t even need a physical key – they just have to duplicate the signal.
High Risk Areas for 4Runner Theft
High crime areas tend to have a higher incidence of vehicle theft, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe elsewhere. Car thieves often target locations that provide the best opportunities to steal with the least risk of getting caught.
These include poorly lit streets, unattended parking lots, or areas with low police presence. To stay informed on such zones, paying attention to local crime reports can be beneficial.
Insurance and Recovery Strategies
Having the right insurance and knowing the steps to take afterward can be your safety net. Let’s explore how comprehensive car insurance can benefit you and the actions you should take if your vehicle is stolen.
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive car insurance is essential for protecting your vehicle against theft. This type of policy covers the loss of your car if it’s stolen.
It’s different from liability and collision insurance, as those do not cover theft. Check with your insurer to confirm that theft is included in your comprehensive coverage.
If your 4Runner is financed or leased, your lender may actually require this coverage.
Post-Theft Actions
If you find your Toyota 4Runner has been stolen, immediately file a police report. The sooner you report the theft, the higher the chances of recovery.
Notify your car insurance company as well. While police work on locating your vehicle, spread the word on social media; the community can be incredibly helpful in spotting and recovering stolen vehicles.
Final thoughts
The bottom line is that if a thief wants your 4Runner bad enough, they’re going to get it. All we can do is make it harder for them, or make the job take longer for them to do which increases the chances of them being caught in the act.
If you’re especially paranoid about your 4Runner being stolen, don’t let it out of your site – or at least lock it up in the garage.
Tim is the creator of Canadian Gearhead. His experience with auto detailing and working for Toyota shows through all of the articles posted here. He runs the Canadian Gearhead site and YouTube channel full-time now and currently owns a 2007 4runner, 2006 Tacoma, and 1991 MR2. Read more about Tim:
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