Just Read an article in CAr & Driver that said, thievs have a device that can obtain your car codes from 20 feet away. I wonder if this applies to the Prius. I know the car detects the Fob in your purse or pocket and all you have to do is touch the car handle to open it. Is there a code that goes from your car to the fob that can be copied? Also if copied can the same code be used to start the car? I know that the Fob must be in the car in order to start it. Do I need a wheellock bar to keep the car from being Boosted or stolen?
There are other threads on this subject. The big question is the Prius smart key code "scanable" or "not scanable" meaning is it a rolling code. Some dealers (including mine) put an additional security module on Prius touting that it is "non scanable".
You've missed some threads: Toyota's SOS saved/found my stolen V-ATP! (Fob stolen from adjacent vehicle) Stolen 2010 Prius Accident (Theft method unknown)
A locksmith with the proper equipment can certainly pick the door lock and add a new remote for the car. Anybody with a brick could break a window to get in, but they're not going to start the car. As for intercepting the messages between a remote and the car, there has been a demonstration by some security professionals that the non-SKS type remote system could be compromised. So if you've got a PhD, a few thousand dollars worth of exotic lab equipment, and several years to work on it, it could be done. The SKS system is more secure than the non-SKS version used on base model Gen2 (2004-2009). It's going to be a few more years before anyone breaks the SKS radio communications. If a thief gets your remote, it will work just as well for him as it does for you. So if you lose a remote, it would be prudent to have the lost remote deleted from the car's list of valid ones.
I can see the news story now. "Low speed multistate chase of stolen Prius covers 700 miles. The suspect eluded police for two days using a pulse-and-glide technique that caused pursuers to run out-of-gas and was finally apprehended while stopped for a restroom break." As much as I like my Prius, I don't think it will become the preferred target of carjackers and thieves.
