Santa Barbara Toyota Tacomas in Danger

Toyota Tacoma owners should take extra precautions to keep their trucks safe, Santa Barbara police say, after a few were recently stolen, as well as license plates affixed to other Tacomas.

A press released issued by the SBPD said owners should try to park in a garage, use a steering wheel lock, or utilize an alarm. “The suspects in these thefts may possess a master key allowing entry into and starting of any Toyota Tacoma,” the statement reads. “In some circumstances stolen license plates have been replaced with plates stolen from other vehicles.”

Police also said that buyers of used Tacomas in the area should exercise caution, checking to see if the truck is being sold well below market value or if the seller is only willing to accept cash as payment.