AICHI (TR) – Car thefts have been on the rise within the prefecture this 12 months, up by 60 % over the primary three months in comparison with the identical interval final 12 months, reviews Nagoya TV (Apr. 24).
Given this case, the community wonders: What form of measures are efficient throughout the lengthy Golden Week vacation season, when individuals are extra prone to be away from dwelling?
Footage captured by a safety digital camera put in at a house the prefecture exhibits an individual wearing white garments getting out of the again seat of a car.
He approaches the parking zone straight forward, crouches down close to the entrance wheel of a parked Toyota Land Cruiser and begins to work on one thing whereas shining a light-weight on his palms. He additionally appears to be attaching one thing to the physique of the automobile.
He continues working for about two minutes, sometimes glancing round. The second the sunshine on his palms flashes inexperienced, the automobile’s lights come on. The engine then seems to begin. The individual will get into the motive force’s seat and drives off.
Topping the nation
It is believed {that a} so-called “CAN Invader” (Controller Area Network) machine was used within the crime. The palm-size machine permits thieves to bypass the newest anti-theft expertise.
With the machine, a thief can hijack a car’s pc system that controls its engine, lights and different programs in order that the doorways might be opened and the ignition began.
The machine was developed to hack into standard fashions, such because the Lexus LX sport utility car.
Thefts focusing on luxurious vehicles and different autos have been occurring one after one other in Aichi Prefecture. This 12 months particularly, 292 instances have been confirmed within the three months via the top of March. The variety of instances is probably the most within the nation.
Among all prefectures, Aichi Prefecture has the best variety of automobile homeowners, making it prone to automobile theft.
“The targets are Toyota Land Cruisers, Alphards, Priuses and Lexuses,” mentioned Yuki Takeuchi, the pinnacle of the Community Safety Measures Office. “There are many vehicles in Aichi Prefecture that are in high demand for criminal groups. We are concerned that the situation is favorable for crimes due to factors such as the well-developed transportation network.”
“Additional security systems”
So, what might be carried out?
“First of all, I would like people to understand that genuine security alone is not enough,” Takeuchi continues. “I would like them to take multiple measures such as additional security systems, alarm devices, and steering locks.”
Autobacs is one retailer that sells such gadgets. Tomomi Ueno works at Autobacs Nagoya East Outlet. She tells the community that they’re seeing a pointy enhance in inquiries about anti-theft items. She recommends the T-shaped Hornet Steering Lock LH-17R, which retails for six,980 yen.
“It is a product that is attached to the top of the steering wheel and makes it difficult to turn the steering wheel,” she says.
The Ok-TECT Steering Lock is slightly on the costly aspect at 49,500 yen, however it’s so dependable that it is strongly recommended by the Ibaraki Prefectural Police.
“It uses a strong metal called duralumin and a special key. Steering locks are often cut and cars are stolen, but duralumin is made of a metal that is strong enough to protect against cutting blades,” Ueno assures.
These items usually are not solely efficient in bodily defending vehicles, however additionally they present a psychological deterrent to thieves.
Golden Week is developing quickly. You’ll be away from dwelling extra, however what are you able to do to guard your automobile?
“Thieves don’t like to waste time. Taking multiple security measures to buy more time is the way to go,” Ueno says. “When you often go out and play, the risk of theft increases if you let your guard down. If you take simple security measures, such as locking the steering wheel before going out, you can protect your car and enjoy your long holiday.”
License plate theft
The theft of automobile components can be on the rise. According to Aichi Prefectural Police, the variety of automobile half thefts in 2024 was 1,517.
Of these instances, the theft of license plates accounted for 812. Such thefts pose the danger of the stolen plates being hooked up to stolen vehicles.
Aichi Prefectural Police are aiming to popularize particular screws that stop license plate theft, which can make them tough to take away with commercially accessible instruments comparable to screwdrivers.
Police stations in Aichi Prefecture are additionally working with crime prevention associations and others to run a marketing campaign to swap current plates for brand spanking new ones at no cost.
“We would like multiple measures to be taken, such as additional security systems, alarm devices and steering wheel locks,” says Takeuchi.