Here’s a link to a recent post from the New Zealand Herald about the Toyota Hiace being targeted and shipped to the Middle East.
The Hiace is well known for its reliability and is a popular workhorse.
There is obviously a big demand for them overseas.
Old generation Hiace at risk.
The old generation Hiace (pre-2005 model) did not come with any security. Whereas most of the New shape Hiace’s comes with an Immobiliser as standard. (See link at the base of page)
It is therefore fair to assume that it is only the old shape models that are being targeted at this time.
Security Considerations
Absolute minimum security would be a good immobiliser fitted correctly. Given that most Hiace owners tend to be tradesmen an alarm would probably be a better option.
Toyota Door Switches
The door switches on the Hiace are an item that is known to fail. Most alarms depend on the door switch to trigger so it’s a good idea to make sure that they are functioning correctly.
I’ve lost count of how many Hiace door switches I’ve had to replace. In fact, the demand is so high that I now keep them in stock!
Internal protection
If you do intend to keep tools in a Hiace then I’d suggest an alarm with either ultrasonics or a P.I.R. sensor.
Although most alarms here in NZ tend to come with a glass break sensor it is worth remembering that they are not very effective in large vehicles. Especially when they have window tints which change the acoustics.
Alarm options for the current shape Hiace can be found below:
where am i able to buy one of those switches? i just had an alarm installed in a 1990 corona and the drivers switch doesnt work and im having the hardest time finding a switch for it
You could take a loan out and visit your local Toyota dealer, or see if there is a specialised Toyota wrecker locally, assuming you can find a working switch there!
Aliexpress sells them for $11.50US a pair http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-Toyota-Hiace-Door-Signal-Switch-2pcs-set/1165556368.html