Stolen! Key fob cloning theft method used to steal 2025 4Runner 6th gen

[papadop88]

Nah, the reason crime is through the roof is because there is no enforcement of our laws, especially here in California. Make an example of a few and crime goes down. Does it go away completely? Of course not. But it reduces it drastically. Just like how they really came down on thieves stealing catalytic converters. They basically cut that down to a few cases once they threw the book at them. When there is punishment, folks think twice.

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[s3lekta]

Thanks everyone for your words.
The truck was found by the police 45 minutes away from home, unfortunately the electronics were pulled out, window broken, I’m busy dealing with insurance and police, also because the car is not working at all, one window is broken and the other 3 are down the car got all wet inside because it was raining in the morning, it’s so upsetting, insurance just tells us no to worry that is going to get fix, I just want my new truck like it was, I had only put 91 kilometres.

I hope it gets sorted, and you get it back soon.

Did they abandon the car? Or were you able to assist with your tracker?

any other insights that can help us all, thank you and sorry for the stress you have to deal with.

 

[papadop88]

For those interested, I have a few of these around the house for car keys, Airpods (when you don't want anything to mistakenly connect), etc. Super cheap and get the job done. No need to overthink it or pay $40 or so for the Faraday branded ones for the same protection...

Faraday Key Fob Pouches

 

[ugahairydawgs]

The solution is not to just throw your hands up and assume this is inevitable. Local governments have to find a way to do something to stop it before these situations escalate further and someone ends up shot trying to steal a car.

 

[juan mesa]

Thanks everyone for your words.
The truck was found by the police 45 minutes away from home, unfortunately the electronics were pulled out, window broken, I’m busy dealing with insurance and police, also because the car is not working at all, one window is broken and the other 3 are down the car got all wet inside because it was raining in the morning, it’s so upsetting, insurance just tells us no to worry that is going to get fix, I just want my new truck like it was, I had only put 91 kilometres.

 

[Badkarma8541]

What were they after in electronics. It just doesn’t make sense to me to make the effort unless somehow they realize that you had a tracking device on it so they ditched it.. I am damn sure these are gonna be a popular vehicles in the mid east. Loading up in a Connex box and shipping them overseas will be the norm. Especially if you’re not too far from ports.. I don’t know where it is, but there’s a really good video of a lady who had her car stolen. I think it was a new defender. She had her AirTag in it no local law enforcement cared so she drove down to the port herself and got with the CBP guys. They drove around the port till they narrowed it down to one of 10 Connex boxes and they found Mercedes and a Porsche in the box with her car and they were professionally boxed up. The shippers had three other Connex boxes so CBP held them all, and they were all loaded up with stolen vehicles.. big business.

 

[HVLA]

The solution is not to just throw your hands up and assume this is inevitable. Local governments have to find a way to do something to stop it before these situations escalate further and someone ends up shot trying to steal a car.

Actually that is what will happen if they try stealing mine.

 

[con5tant]

I was under the impression that these key fobs put themselves to sleep when they weren't being used for a certain amount of time? I guess that is not the case here

 

[Dr_Al]

It's not as simple as putting the key in a bag or cage when at home. Thieves can clone your fob while you are at a store and then follow you home. I've even read something about being able to scan the VIN number through the windshield so they don't even need to get the FOB's signal. The best bet is a way to immobilize your vehicle. Even pulling a fuse does wonders.

Where I live now the key is on a small shelf right next to my Rav4 and the key is usually in the ignition of my Tundra when they are at my house. Nobody is going to come up here and steal them. However, in the past, I did add a hidden switch that would kill power to the coil packs, no spark, no fire, no driving away. An aftermarket alarm or immobilizer would also be a good choice.

 

[thirstyross]

It's not as simple as putting the key in a bag or cage when at home. Thieves can clone your fob while you are at a store and then follow you home. I've even read something about being able to scan the VIN number through the windshield so they don't even need to get the FOB's signal. The best bet is a way to immobilize your vehicle. Even pulling a fuse does wonders.

They can absolutely program the car to accept a new key, it just takes a bit longer than keyfob cloning.

 

[thirstyross]

will ask @Ross to share what immobilizer did he use.

Clearly stated it several times in the thread!

 

[thirstyross]

I was under the impression that these key fobs put themselves to sleep when they weren't being used for a certain amount of time? I guess that is not the case here

No keyfobs do this as far as I'm aware, I'm not sure why you have this impression?

 

[thirstyross]

Sorry dude, when we share products here. A purchase link helps so that one knows the vendor you bought this from especially when this is a European product. Have a blessed day ;-)

I provided a link to the manufacturer and product page where it tells you (as I did in another post) that you need a professional installer to install it, and it will direct you to your local installers. I'm not sure what you want from me, lol, I can't provide anything more. There is no purchase page, and I'm not sure why you are bringing up Europe, I linked to a Canadian site? Having said that, this immobilizer is available worldwide from what I can tell.

 

[BerkRunner]

I’m curious how the fob cloning works when the fobs are supposed to be chipped. The thieves are able to clone the chip inside the fob also? Seems like the only real option is to get the aftermarket immobilizer. Unfortunately I’m not seeing an installer for the Ghost here in the US.

This is what AI had to say about the immobilizer already installed on the 4Runners:

• Chipped Keys: The 4Runner uses keys with embedded chips that communicate with the vehicle's ignition system. Only keys programmed to the vehicle can start the engine.

 

[Bizzle]

Our key fobs are continuously emitting rfid signals. I bought a small key fob pouch that blocks rfid which everyone has been talking about in here for my key. I always have it in there and pull it out when I get to my car. You know it works when the doors won’t open when you get near the car bc the pouch is blocking the signal. I know it’s not perfect as a method but it helps reduce the risk. That’s all we can do. Reduce risk.

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