Stereosage

We just returned from two weeks holiday. In our mail was a card from our local police department about a theft from our 2011 RX350 that was parked on the street. It seems that both of the external heated, autodimming mirrors have been stolen. The annoying part is we just recently replaced the driver-side one that cracked in a cold snap in February or March.

These mirrors $500 to $600 and are NOT stock items. Yes, the one you buy cheap on eBay may have been stolen from someone else. The problem is, what is to stop the same thief from coming back again and stealing them after you replace them? I've heard of such cases. If you know what you are doing, it is a quick theft.

Any other stories? I've already commented on a similar one [https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...l#post6624965].

Stormforge

there is really nothing you can do to prevent a thief from taking your side mirrors. if they really want it, they will steal it.

your best bet would be to get an aftermarket alarm system that has exterior motion detection with a paging system. only problem of course is you will get lots of false alarms.

cheaper alternative, park your RX in a secure garage if you have one. or find a secure parking area if you plan on being away from your RX for an extended period of time.

Cruiter

Right On, use your garage. Some folks don't have one but I do and subscribe to the notion that it's for cars rather than a convenient storage area. Car washes and wax last longer that way too .

The story about stolen items being bought for resale is true but if a Lexus dealer is caught doing that, they won't be a new car Lexus dealer much longer. However body shops are a different case.

As for alarms, it's iffy if folks even pay attention to them.

To the OP, sorry for your loss, it isn't right to have your nice stuff vandalized or stolen for what's probably drug money. Makes you have very un-PC thoughts.

EMSLEXUSRX

Same here as far as parking in the garage. I have a single-car garage, and I still manage to get the RX in there somehow. It's a tight fit, but I know I'll have peace of mind that no one can vandalize it or steal it or steal anything else off of it. Though I know some folks don't have garages at all, so it can be a dilemma.

aliee

I always thought this kind of matter only happens in developing countries, such as Indonesia. Side mirror theft is a big business in Indonesia, especially toyota-lexus vehicles.Eventually it happens to me back then, I saw it with my own eyes .They just snap it away the mirror or the whole side mirror while you idling for the traffic light. I hope you will find a good aftermarket side mirror, but from my experience the mirror quality would be less than the OEM one.

GrandSedanFan

iTrader: (1)

At $1,200 dollars, approximately, why wouldn't you go through insurance?

Brew1

Yes, we had our left side taken while my wife was in a busy grocery store...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...r-missing.html

yahj

people who do this knows exactly what they're doing, they know about car, they know how much they are, they know how easy to get it so no matter what we do they will find a way.

I think if we report this to lexus maybe they will do something. I know lexus making money out of this but it's enough cause to deters some future buyers too.

kitlz

yahj, I would hope Lexus does something. This is about the third thread on this topic.

Back on the 2nd gen, there was an issue with headlights were being stolen. I can remember seeing a 330 driving around without headlights, not a pretty sight. There was a TSB I believe to install a device to help thwart but not prevent them from being stolen.

Anything has to be better than the status quo.

Cruiter

Anita
I can't think of much Lexus can do to stop opportunity theft. Thieves go after anything with a market for a quick buck. I don't even drive downtown anymore, I take the train. Faster and cheaper and the parking decks at the North Springs Marta station are secure and constantly patrolled. I've never heard of a problem.

I'm fortunate that I live in a very crime free community well north of the Atlanta crime zone. I can't imagine living where I had to park on the street like the OP does but if I did, I doubt I'd have a Lexus parked there. Maybe an old Starsky & Hutch pick up with 2x10's bolted to a steel plate for a front bumper so I could at least have some fun .

wyau01

You can do like the NYC cabbies, glue a plastic donut cover over the mirrors housing.

tbarbat

Just had my mirror glass stolen. Does anyone know if the unheated non-anti glare mirror from lexus $125 fits into the heated housing? Acheaper alternative for future theft.

VVRX

If you can't garage your vehicle, you might try getting a quality Car Cover. It may be enough of a deterrent to have the thief go someplace else.

UCSB

I don't know if they will fit, perhaps checking with your local Lexus parts department or calling Sewells (forum sponsor). The heated/dim mirror glass sells on ebay for $165 ... unfortunately, these may be stolen.