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Wait, one of the most stolen cars in Japan is the Toyota Alphard?

CY Foong · May 3, 2021 03:30 PM

Wait, one of the most stolen cars in Japan is the Toyota Alphard? 01

Japan may have one of the lowest crime rates globally but that doesn’t mean it’s a completely clean country. Vehicles do get stolen and in Saitama Prefecture, the most popular stolen vehicle is the Toyota Alphard.

Wait, one of the most stolen cars in Japan is the Toyota Alphard? 02

Yes, Japanese car thieves fancy the luxury breadbox on wheels as much as our VIPs and politicians. By the way, Saitama is located 38 minutes away from Tokyo, and manga/anime fans may recognise the name from a certain bald, caped superhero who fights off enemies with one punch.

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Also read: A recond Toyota Alphard/Vellfire is nearly RM 44k cheaper than UMW Toyota's official import, should you buy the recond?

Wait, one of the most stolen cars in Japan is the Toyota Alphard? 01

There are other colours too besides plain white or black

But back to the Alphard and the reason why it is highly favoured among car thieves is the MPV’s strong value in the used car market as well as it being a popular car, both in Japan and overseas, like Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Also read: 2020's top 10 most popular cars in Japan, Toyota Alphard is No.5

Wait, one of the most stolen cars in Japan is the Toyota Alphard? 02

An Alphard half-cut

As such, some of the stolen cars get shipped overseas or even resold in Japan with the original VIN removed. In some cases, to make it harder to trace and sinisterly, easier to take out of the country, the vehicles get broken up into spares.

Wait, one of the most stolen cars in Japan is the Toyota Alphard? 03

However, the Alphard wasn’t the most stolen car reported in Japan. According to a survey conducted by the General Insurance Association of Japan in November 2020, the Toyota MPV is ranked sixth among thirty models that were conducted.

Wait, one of the most stolen cars in Japan is the Toyota Alphard? 04

The top 3 most stolen cars in Japan last year were the Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prius, and Lexus LX. In fact, Toyota and Lexus models were ranked in the top eight.

Wait, one of the most stolen cars in Japan is the Toyota Alphard? 05

Meanwhile, Malaysia's most stolen car, also a bit of a cult hero

Indeed, even a country with a squeaky-clean image like Japan is not immune to car theft. So, be safe out there and arm your cars with anti-theft features to prevent your pride and joy from being stolen.

Also read: It’s 2021, but the Proton Wira is still the most stolen car in the country. Here’s why…

CY Foong

Writer

Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.

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