he Lexus is consistently the most-stolen vehicle in Ontario, according to Équité Association, which investigates and analyzes insurance fraud and crime, and the Lexus is consistently at the top of thieves’ wish lists. (Source: Équité Association)
They said a salesperson recommended the device, but the dealership has denied the assertion. As warranty negotiations continued, the couple opted for a cheaper, temporary fix for their mechanical problems and a metal bar that locks across the steering wheel to deter thieves.
Then, on Oct. 3, Levine says Korn called him saying her Lexus app indicated their car was no longer where she parked it.
“What has become of Toronto? It’s beyond frightening,” Levine said. “It’s more disturbing than anything else. You don’t have any sense of personal belonging, in that you can’t hold on to anything. You can’t keep anything.”
TTC putting cameras in high-use parking lots
Given both of the couple’s Lexus vehicles were stolen from the exact same parking lot, Levine says he’s upset with the TTC for not providing more security.
The Toronto Parking Authority manages the TTC’s Wilson station lot using a private security firm that conducts routine patrols, said spokesperson Stuart Green. He says TTC special constables also patrol.
“We’re looking for other ways to improve security and deter theft, including installing cameras in high-use lots,” Green wrote. “Safety and security remain our top priority at all times.”
Levine says he also thinks the Lexus RX 350h base model should come with better anti-theft protection and the company itself should offer owners more ways to protect their vehicles, given Lexus is Ontario’s most stolen car model.
Lexus says overseas demand plays role in thefts
Lexus Canada is “sorry to hear about [Levine’s] stolen vehicle,” said spokesperson Philippe Crowe.
Lexus “regularly introduces new or improved technical features to reduce the likelihood of a vehicle being stolen,” Crowe said. But, he added, “Greater demand for these vehicles in overseas markets leads to increased targeting of these vehicles by organized crime.”
A vehicle’s anti-theft measures may do little in the face of its appeal among thieves, agreed David Adams, president and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada.