My 2008 Highlander with engine immobilizer is stolen

[GoodbyeMontreal]

Hi everyone,

Recently my 2008 highlander with engine immobilizer was stolen while parked 50 ft in front of a busy, well-lit and security camera protected lobby of a major hotel near Montreal airport! It wasn't a stolen key or carjack incident. All my keys (regular and spare) are still with me.

After some frantic googling about stolen highlanders, I found this to be very unusual.

First, I would really doubt that it was towed away because of the proximity to the hotel lobby.

Second, I would doubt the thief would severely damage the car since most likely it's stolen for re-sale.

Therefore, the only conclusion I could make was somehow the thieft figured out how to disable the engine immobilizer system and/or make a duplicate key so he/she could drive it away.

I know that back in Nov 2009, there was a theft of 6 highlanders in Toronto within 90 mins of each other which caused a small shock to the community.

So is it possible that auto thiefs can now easily crack the engine immobilizer system? Is there any value of having such system?

Please help me understand how my highlander was stolen!

Thanks!

[jimmied]

sure anything can be cracked with a smart computer programmer and the right tools...more likely though, you were towed away quickly. sorry to hear.

[TrailDust]

Did the security camera in the lobby--or perhaps any other cameras external to the building--show anything of the theft?

[GoodbyeMontreal]

This is still under invetigation by the police. The hotel wouldn't show me the security camera recording.

Originally Posted by TrailDust

Did the security camera in the lobby--or perhaps any other cameras external to the building--show anything of the theft?

[GoodbyeMontreal]

I find it hard to believe that it was towed away right in front of the lobby. According to the hotel employees, they didn't have any auto theft in the recent years. They looked pretty shocked that it happened. But the police didn't look surprised at all. He told me the chance of ever recovering the car was slim and it might already be on its way to Africa.

Originally Posted by jimmied

sure anything can be cracked with a smart computer programmer and the right tools...more likely though, you were towed away quickly. sorry to hear.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by GoodbyeMontreal

This is still under invetigation by the police. The hotel wouldn't show me the security camera recording.

That's just wrong! Even though the theft was on a public street the hotel still ought to offer the video to you and/or the police for all the right reasons. That blows!

Originally Posted by GoodbyeMontreal

I find it hard to believe that it was towed away right in front of the lobby. According to the hotel employees, they didn't have any auto theft in the recent years. They looked pretty shocked that it happened. But the police didn't look surprised at all. He told me the chance of ever recovering the car was slim and it might already be on its way to Africa.

Probably in a shipping container as we speak. Either that or already in pieces and being shipped. Thing of it is that with cars, homes, etc., if a knowledgeable and motivated thief wants to steal something he's going to take it. Anti-theft devices are really theft discouragement devices to a professional, and there's little you can do about it if they have the will and the opportunity to take something. It just sucks that your possessions are never really safe anywhere.

[jimmied]

Originally Posted by GoodbyeMontreal

I find it hard to believe that it was towed away right in front of the lobby. According to the hotel employees, they didn't have any auto theft in the recent years. They looked pretty shocked that it happened. But the police didn't look surprised at all. He told me the chance of ever recovering the car was slim and it might already be on its way to Africa.

Easiest thing to do. If I saw someone towing a car, I probably would pay any attention to the action. I would just figure there was some mechanical issue or parked illegally. Watch how fast something can be towed legally on tv (repo man or parking wars)...imagine if the intent was theft. they would be superfast!!!! I wouldnt want back a theft recovery so you might be better off if its in a container (assuming you have insurance coverage and this isnt a huge financial burden on you)

[GoodbyeMontreal]

Finally heard back from the hotel people, the security video showed that two guys opened the door with some kind of stick-like tool and within minutes, drove the car away. So much for the 'engine immoboliser' technology!!!

They wouldn't release the video to me but were at least kind of to tell me how it happened.

Originally Posted by TrailDust

Did the security camera in the lobby--or perhaps any other cameras external to the building--show anything of the theft?

[becks]

Africa...huh..well I hope they choke on their Vuvu's..

Seriously though...I am sorry to hear about your loss. Hopefully when all is said and done, you find yourself in a better place then you were.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by GoodbyeMontreal

Finally heard back from the hotel people, the security video showed that two guys opened the door with some kind of stick-like tool and within minutes, drove the car away. So much for the 'engine immoboliser' technology!!!

They wouldn't release the video to me but were at least kind of to tell me how it happened.

That's why I've never invested in an alarm system, for home or car. If there's one thing I've learned is that professional, motivated thieves can steal pretty much anything and defeat any alarm system to get it.

Sorry about the loss of your Highlander, but glad you found out for sure how it was stolen. BTW, what's the story on a replacement......enquiring minds and all that....

[JMSinMD]

Invest in a Ravelco system on your next vehicle if you don't want to have to worry about it being stolen.

[dirtraven1]

In the NYC area a theft ring was busted catching 16 people involved. 1 was a parking lot attendant and two Toyota dealership employees for key dupes. What they they did was steal the vehicle and park it at a parking garage to check if it had lojack and then come back for it at a later date.

Here's the article:

[nov0798]

You could probably make one of those ALOT cheaper than 400 dollars! it really wouldnt be that hard to do this!