I received this in an email and I thought it was pretty interesting:

It seems that car thieves have found another way to steal your car or truck without any effort at all. The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck, write down the VIN number from the label on the dash, go to a local car dealership and request a duplicate key based on the VIN number.
The car dealer's parts dept will make a duplicate key from the VIN number and collect payment from the thief who will return to your car.
He doesn't have to break in, do any damage to the vehicle, or draw attention to himself. All he has to do is to walk up to your car, insert the key and off he goes to a local chop shop with your vehicle.
You don't believe it? It IS that easy To avoid this from happening to you, simply put some tape (electrical tape, duct tape or medical tape) across the VIN label located on the dash board. By law, you cannot remove the VIN number, but you can cover it so it can't be viewed through the windshield by a car thief.

 

Last year I had lost my key and went to the lexus dealership to get a duplicate off of the vin #. The refused to give me the key unless I provided them with verification og ownership. However, I had the registration in the glove box so I couldn't access it. I told them that my name is entered in the nationwide Lexus Data base based on service records and provided them with my driver's license. I told them I had records of services performed by Lexus dealerships for the past two years. However, they still refused to give me the duplicate. Eventually I had to have my bank (through whci the car was financed) fax in a letter stating that I was inded the owner until they gave me the key. I also went to an independent locksmith and they too wanted a proof of ownership before a duplicate was issued. So I think this is not really something to worry about.

Cheers
Sohaib

 

all keys that start my car a computer chipped. When I got my valet key and my flat wallet key I had to give them my master key so they could program the chip. Other than that, these keys made from just the VIN will only open the doors. They won't start the car until programmed. I am speaking of keys for the 02/03 ES. I do not know what year was the first to have the programmed key to start the car.

sj

 

i have a separate alarm, so even if they open the doors, all they can do is take the radio - my engine disables...i love aftermarket alarms

 

That doesnt work. You need to provide a Copy of title or registration and drivers license of the registered owner. This applies for Lexus and BMW as I just got keys made for both of my vehicles 2 months ago.

 

Gotta love wire cutters

 

i suppose if someone wanted your car that badly an alarm wouldnt stop them, but its there for the stupid and simple-minded criminals