Auris hybrid CAT is an easy and desirable target for low lifes, and some Lexus models could be stolen due to the method you mention KB, but these are hardly lone marques or models, one example of others is the Honda Jazz, then there's the spare wheel theft issue from 4x4s with underslung spare wheels and Porsche headlights costing several £thousand each which can be prised out apparently.

Corolla hybrid CATs don't have the theft issue and as far as i know affected Lexus models are being modified asap to cure that problem.

If our courts shipped the guilty low lifes responsible out to Saudi Arabia or similar for punishment such thefts would cease, one can dream.

Here is an example.

www.honestjohn.co.uk/askhj/answer/192051/has-lv-st...s-

My RAV 4 is expensive to insure as the cat is easy to steal. I’ve seen other customers changing their Toyotas for Avensis which have a car which is out of reach.

I saw that Lee Power, in the Insurance thread, said ...... High price is due to the known theft risk - some insurance companies wont even cover certain Toyota / Lexus products due to the CAN invader theft issue.

I didn't know that.

I think I kew that Lexus might be more premium and a bit nickable and hence dearer to insure but didn't realise Tyotas were seen as vulnerable. Clearly a Landrover is seen as desirable to thieves and probably stuff like like BMW, but I thought Toyota was pretty ordinary in the scheme of things.

I think that you will find that Toyota have addressed that in current production.

Thing is that it is an evolving war between the professional motor thieves & the motor industry. About the only certainty is that if a highly professional thief really wants your car (any car) they will ultimately find a way - all that we can do is try to make it so hard that they find it easier to target someone else's car.