Toyota reveals patent to load cars with TEAR GAS to scare away thieves
The tear gas would be sprayed when an 'illegitimate engine start' was detected
CAR thieves could be in for the shock of their life when breaking into a Toyota.
The Japanese car manufacturer has patented a new fragrance system which sprays tear gas when the vehicle is broken into.
According to the patent lodged in the US, the tear gas would be sprayed when an "illegitimate engine start" is detected by the vehicle's immobiliser.
The spray would only be activated when the vehicle's key fob cannot be detected by the car.
Tear gas is commonly used by armed forces and police in hostile situations to de-escalate groups of people.
When used in these scenarios, it can cause severe eye and respiratory pain, skin irritation, bleeding and in some cases blindness.
While this plan is just a patent, it's safe to say any would be thieves would think twice before trying to steal cars with these systems.
Toyota hasn't confirmed if it will introduce the technology in any of its vehicles - but it seems quite unlikely to make it into the production line any time soon.
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The fragrance dispenser would also be used to spray different perfumes into the vehicle.
By connecting with the user's mobile phone, the system would be able to automatically detect the driver's preferred smell and spray it when they're approaching the car.
When leaving the car, the system would also spray a deodoriser to provide a neutral smell for the next driver.