Thieves Utilize Stolen Toyota Priuses to Track Down Land Cruisers | Carscoops

      The Prius’s quiet hybrid powertrain enables criminals to stealthily enter neighborhoods.

      Six hours ago

      By Thanos Pappas

      In 2025, the Land Cruiser continues to be Japan's most frequently stolen vehicle by a significant margin.

      Following closely is Toyota’s Prius, which is reportedly employed to aid in other vehicle thefts.

      Authorities suggest utilizing alarms, wheel locks, and car covers to discourage criminals.

      Car theft remains a persistent problem in Japan, similar to trends seen in various countries around the globe. The Toyota Land Cruiser remains a key target, on track to be named Japan’s most stolen vehicle for the fifth consecutive year. The increasing numbers highlight the SUV's unfortunate appeal to car thieves.

      While the Land Cruiser garners much of the attention, the Prius also ranks high on the list of commonly targeted vehicles.

      According to recent statistics from Japan’s National Police Agency, the top ten most stolen vehicles in the first half of 2025 closely resemble those from previous years. Nine out of ten are either Toyotas or Lexuses, with only the Suzuki Carry breaking the trend by coming in tenth. This observation clearly indicates that Japan’s car thieves have a strong inclination towards domestic brands, especially Toyota.

      Silent, Ordinary, and Accessible

      The Prius has risen to the second position with 289 units stolen thus far in 2025. As reported by Creative Trend, criminals frequently use the hybrid as a means of transportation to commit further vehicle thefts. Its nearly silent powertrain allows them to enter neighborhoods quietly during the night without drawing attention.

      While silent operation is characteristic of hybrid and electric vehicles, the Prius has emerged as a favored option. It is readily available in Japan, is known for its dependability, and is offered only in hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions, making it an effective tool for low-key crimes. It’s not unrealistic to consider that some of these stolen Priuses might have been utilized to aid in the theft of more valuable vehicles, including Land Cruisers.

      Japan’s National Police Agency

      Land Cruiser Thefts May Reach New Heights

      The theft numbers for the Land Cruiser are projected to hit a peak. With 765 units stolen in just six months, it may exceed 1,000 thefts by the end of the year, a figure it has never surpassed. In comparison, the General Insurance Association of Japan reported 688 thefts in 2024 and only 383 in 2023.

      This tally includes all major variants of the model: the Land Cruiser 300, 250 (also known as the Prado), and the 70 Series. Among these, the larger 300 Series is likely responsible for most cases. Meanwhile, its luxury counterpart, the Lexus LX, ranks fifth with 120 thefts this year.

      Other Significant Changes in the Rankings

      The Toyota Alphard, a large minivan, has fallen to third place with 191 thefts, down from 303 the prior year. Conversely, the Crown Series has jumped to sixth place with 107 stolen units, a substantial rise likely due to the lineup's expansion. The Crown nameplate now encompasses the Crossover, Sedan, Estate, and Sport, providing thieves with more targets.

      To address the rise in thefts, Japanese authorities urge vehicle owners to implement alarm systems along with anti-theft devices like steering locks and GPS trackers. Another recommendation is to keep vehicles covered to prevent thieves from determining the make and model, thereby decreasing the likelihood of being targeted.