Grand theft Aichi: Thieves increasingly targeting luxury vehicles in Japan's car-theft capital

Tokyo Reported

06-05-2025

AICHI (TR) – Car thefts have been on the rise in Aichi Prefecture this year, up by 60 percent over the first three months compared to the same period last year, reports Nagoya TV (Apr. 24).
Given this situation, the network wonders: What kind of measures are effective during the long Golden Week holiday season, when people are more likely to be away from home?
Footage captured by a security camera installed at a home the prefecture shows a person dressed in white clothes getting out of the back seat of a vehicle.
He approaches the parking lot straight ahead, crouches down near the front wheel of a parked Toyota Land Cruiser and begins to work on something while shining a light on his hands. He also seems to be attaching something to the body of the car.
He continues working for about two minutes, occasionally glancing around. The moment the light on his hands flashes green, the car's lights come on. The engine then appears to start. The person gets into the driver's seat and drives off. Topping the nation
It is believed that a so-called 'CAN Invader' (Controller Area Network) device was used in the crime. The palm-size device allows thieves to bypass the latest anti-theft technology.
With the device, a thief can hijack a vehicle's computer system that controls its engine, lights and other systems so that the doors can be opened and the ignition started.
The device was developed to hack into popular models, such as the Lexus LX sport utility vehicle.
Thefts targeting luxury cars and other vehicles have been occurring one after another in Aichi Prefecture. This year in particular, 292 cases have been confirmed in the three months through the end of March. The number of cases is the most in the country.
Among all prefectures, Aichi Prefecture has the highest number of car owners, making it susceptible to car theft, according to police.
'The targets are Toyota Land Cruisers, Alphards, Priuses and Lexuses,' said Yuki Takeuchi, the head 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 can be done?
'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 devices. Tomomi Ueno works at Autobacs Nagoya East Outlet. She tells the network that they are seeing a sharp increase in inquiries about anti-theft goods. She recommends the T-shaped Hornet Steering Lock LH-17R, which retails for 6,980 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 K-TECT Steering Lock is a little on the expensive side at 49,500 yen, but it is so reliable that it is 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 goods are not only effective in physically protecting cars, but they also provide a psychological deterrent to thieves.
With the Golden Week holiday coming up, measures can be taken to decrease the likelihood of theft, says Ueno.
'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 car parts is also on the rise. According to Aichi Prefectural Police, the number of car part thefts in 2024 was 1,517.
Of these cases, the theft of license plates accounted for 812. Such thefts pose the risk of the stolen plates being attached to stolen cars.
Aichi Prefectural Police are aiming to popularize special screws that prevent license plate theft, which will make them difficult to remove with commercially available tools such as screwdrivers.
Police stations in Aichi Prefecture are also working with crime prevention associations and others to run a campaign to swap existing plates for new ones for free.
'We would like multiple measures to be taken, such as additional security systems, alarm devices and steering wheel locks,' says Takeuchi.