As a locksmith, I feel that I should elaborate on this.  On VW products,
lock codes from VIN are only available from the dealer or VW since about '97
or '98 model years.  Anything earlier is not on file.  That makes all the
Vanagons safe from this.  Most of the dealers are aware of this scam, and
are pretty good on requiring proof of ownership before releasing codes or
keys.  Many states also require a log of keys cut by code or VIN.  Most of
the locksmith community is careful about this.  On our older VW's, it's so
easy to pull a handle and get the code.  As far as unlocking, I can get into
a Vanagon in under 10 seconds.  I can then pull a door handle in less than a
minute, look the code up on my computer and code cut a key in a very short
time.  Can a thief do it?  Sure, if he has access to the codes and a code
cutter.  He's not going to do that, though.  A dent puller and one slap and
the lock is out of there, and a screwdriver willl start it.  In summation,
don't worry about the VIN theft....it's not realy that much of a problem.
Steve Sandlin
Registered Locksmith
'84 Wolfsburg Westy
'79 Transporter
'00 New Beetle

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