Toyotas an easy theft target

The cheap vehicle identification labels used on HiLux, Prado and LandCruiser models make them easy targets for thieves, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

The council's chief executive, Ray Carroll, said the Toyota models were over-represented in the latest vehicle theft statistics because the labels could be easily forged by thieves. Insurance payouts for the Toyotas amounted to more than $10 million, he said. "While this is money paid by insurers, it ultimately comes from motorists' pockets," Carroll said. "The real cost is to motorists though who have their cars stolen."

He said the current labels can be easily duplicated or modified by anyone with a home computer and basic software. The new forged identity label is then reapplied to the stolen vehicle.

The council wants carmakers to switch to a new high-tech - but more expensive - label called Identitek. So far only 10 carmakers and motorcycle company Kawasaki use the Identitek product. The label costs about $1.50 per vehicle compared to 40c for the aluminium version.

It is made from layers of plastic that self destruct if tampered with. The label has imprinted codes much like a hologram that cannot be counterfeited, altered or removed from the vehicle intact.

Carroll said Toyota Australia knew its vehicles were among some of the country's most attractive targets for profit-motivated thieves. But Toyota Australia spokesman, Mike Breen, said a high-tech "theft-proof" label would soon be rolled out on its imported lineup, which includes HiLux, Prado and LandCruiser. "We're working on it now," he said.

Breen said the label was already in use on Toyota's Camry and Aurions. Last year 13,500 vehicles were stolen in Victoria. The most popular model chosen by thieves are older model Holden Commodores. Nationally 62,000 vehicles were stolen last year, down from a 2001 peak of 140,000 vehicles.

Insurance claims April-June
LandCruiser 70/100 Series: 62 claims worth $2,013,104
Prado 120 Series: 36 claims worth $975,420
HiLux GGN25R: 16 claims worth $402,753

Most popular cars for thieves
Holden Commodore (1986-1991), VX, VZ, VZ.
Ford Laser (1989)
Toyota Camry (1992)

* Figures from Theft Council

Vehicles using Identitek
Audi A3, A4, A6, A8, R8, Q5 (Not Q7 & TT)
BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 7 Series, X1, X5, X6, and Z4 (Not 5 & 6 Series or X3)
Chrysler All Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge models
HSV All models

Hyundai All models
Isuzu All commercial models
Lotus All models
Mercedes-Benz All passenger and light commercials
Smart All models
Mitsubishi All models
Nissan All models
Kawasaki All motorcycles