Owners of Toyota Hilux, a popular choice for farmers, have been warned to “take immediate steps” to keep their pick-ups secure after a spike in thefts of the vehicles in the UK.
According to new research there was a 548.9% year-on-year rise in 2024 in thefts of the Toyota Hilux.
The research was carried out by QuestGates, one of the UK’s largest owner-managed loss adjusting and claims solutions group, who analysed data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) on stolen vehicles less than three years old.
It found that a three year old Toyota Hilux topped the polls as the “UK’s most stolen newer model” last year.
According to QuestGates although vehicle thefts fell overall by 4.5% last year in the UK, thieves appear to be targeting models that are less than three years old – reflecting a rise of 6.6%.
Philip Swift, technical director at QuestGates, said: “The increased targeting of the Toyota Hilux reflects changing criminal behaviour and the perceived value of and demand for specific models.
“We advise affected owners to take immediate steps to secure their vehicles”.
Advice
According to Toyota it is committed to doing what it can to keep its customers vehicles secure.
It has also highlighted that the Toyota Hilux “boasts a comprehensive suite of security features, encompassing both active and passive safety systems”.
Authorities have advised farmers and landowners who own a 4×4 that they should take some basic “precautionary” steps to protect their vehicle including ensuring they are locked at all times when not in use and parking the vehicle in a secure location.
They have also said that using steering wheel locks, immobilisers and CCTV systems can be a useful deterrent to would be thieves.
Authorities are also advising owners to consider installing trackers on their vehicle as this makes it easier to locate it, if has been stolen.
