For the second day in a row, we’ve received a Crime Watch reader report of a Toyota Prius stolen in West Seattle. First Arbor Heights, now Fairmount Springs (Fauntleroy and Graham): “Charcoal gray Toyota Prius, Chico State sticker on rear window. WA license 474-YNG.” 2008 model, per @getyourcarback. Owner says usage of card(s) that also were stolen might suggest it is or has been in the Westwood Village vicinity. Call 911 if you see it.
Probably thieves after the battery. Be sure to check craigslist.
I wonder how they are getting past the security/electronic key and alarm system. This is a little disturbing.
Indeed, I’ve read that thefts of Prius cars are very, very low–almost uniquely so. But the batteries are a more frequent target if the thief is skilled enough to run the risk of being electrocuted.
Agreed Chris. I just got a new Volt with OnStar and I’m hoping that helps prevent thefts but who knows? I like that if someone tries to unplug the charger without having my fob the car will scream bloody murder and OnStar will be notified immediately but still not cool.
Methinks Onstar might tell you it happened rather than prevent it from happening in the first place.
Thieves are stealing the Prius’s for the batteries..
The battery pack can be removed from the car in less then 20 minutes and sold on the internet for $650-$1000
If you do get your car back, with the battery missing…Repairs could cost up to $10K.
If the batteries are being sold, I doubt the people doing it are stupid enough to Craigslist ’em. They’re probably exported out of the country if that’s the case (maybe even along with the rest of the car).
Sorry to hear it, either way. Property crime is a real pain in the ass, especially if you are barely getting by. :(
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