Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the last few years in the past few years, a vehicle has been taken with keys within every 32 seconds. This isn't just a random crime.
This is a growing issue particularly for luxury vehicle owners. Thieves are often in pairs. One person is holding an amplifier for relays while the other is walking with their transmitter in your driveway.
Keys
The good news is that, in general the number of car thefts has decreased in the last year -- but the bad news is that cars are being taken with keys left inside. This kind of crime is especially threatening because it often happens in broad daylight and when people are not anticipating it. Those who have lost their keys or had them stolen, should take steps to secure their vehicles.
Check your pockets, purse and any other bags you may have, especially when you think they could contain valuables. You might discover your keys in odd places, such as pockets on your jacket and pants in case you've been on the run. If you are unable to locate your keys, search other places you've used them, like in the house or at work. This will give you a better idea of where they could be.
If you own a newer vehicle, you'll need to contact the dealer or automaker to have replacement keys made. The keys are equipped with special chips that must be re-sequenced with the computer in your vehicle. You'll also need to purchase new barrels to accommodate the new keys. They are costly however, a investment in your car's safety is well worth it.
In addition, you must immediately contact the police to file a report. This will help the police in their investigation and may even help them track down the culprit, and it will also be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim. The majority of insurance companies require an official police report to cover the cost of replacing your keys as well as other items.
You should also consider installing an alarm for your car or a tracking device to prevent your car from being stolen even if you own the keys. These devices discourage thieves and, in certain cases, prevent them from starting the car, making it harder to take it away. Some of these devices are connected to your phone and can notify you when they're altered or moved without your consent.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it emits a warning signal to alert thieves that your vehicle is secure. But that is just the beginning of many layers of security.
The criminals are able to capture this signal and use it to unlock the door, igniting the engine, then driving away. They can do this with virtually any vehicle equipped with smart keys or an ignition with a push-to-start feature.
It's a straightforward hack known as code grabbing or "key cloning," which is the use of an electronic device that detects the signal being sent from your key fob and transmits it to another device that tricks the car into thinking the real digital key is close by. It's easy enough for a maintenance person in a gated community to do as well, and the tools used for this type of attack are available from the internet or in your local electronics shop for a few hundred dollars.
A new method of theft is targeting controller area networks (CAN), a network that allows sensors and control modules to communicate with modern automobiles. By taking off the headlight and connecting the device to the CAN, thieves are able to take the information required to unlock your car or even control it while driving on the highway.
While the newer, more sophisticated keyless entry systems that are becoming standard on most vehicles may aid in reducing this type of crime However, the National Insurance Crime Bureau has observed a 20% increase in the number of thefts from vehicles that have keys and remotes inside. The NICB recommends locking your car at all times even if you're just warming it up on the driveway or stopping for coffee or gas.
Don't fall for the hype, such as placing your key fob in the freezer or in the microwave to stop the signal. It's not foolproof and is only effective in deterring the most determined thieves. It's also worth looking into having your vehicle's key fob reprogrammed, especially when you purchase a secondhand one. Most dealers and auto locksmiths can do this quickly and cheaply, although some experts suggest against this in the event of selling your car.
Locks
If you've ever woken up in the morning, walked to your car and then found it has disappeared, you know just how awful it feels. It can be a shock to find out that your car disappeared overnight, particularly in the event that you haven't heard an alarm or observed any signs of intrusion. Thankfully, the worst part is over, but there's the problem of regaining it!
As technology has developed as technology has advanced, thieves have developed their methods of stealth. Instead of using hotwires to hack into your car like you might see in a movie, criminals now employ technology to hack your keyless entry system. The result is that thieves are able to unlock your vehicle and then drive off.
A thief could purchase an online device that records the signal from your car key fob. The thief transmits the signal he has captured to a device that unlocks your vehicle, allowing him to start the car and drive off. This is referred to as a relay attack and it's more info becoming more common for criminal gangs utilize this technique.
It is possible to stop this from happening. Installing the key lock protector, that blocks the signals from your car key fob is a way to prevent this. This is a cheap and simple solution that will help protect your vehicle from thieves. Installing a tracker to your vehicle is a different option. It will help you locate your car in the event that it's stolen.
It's also a good idea to keep your keys somewhere other than in your car, and never leave keys in the ignition. Check with your insurance provider to determine if they offer keys protection. Some insurance companies may provide a replacement in the event that keys are stolen.
You can also fit a brake or steering wheel lock to stop the thief from driving your car away. They can be purchased online for a relatively low cost, and are easily adjusted to fit most automobiles. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles, if you own two vehicles. There are also locks for the pedals which can prevent the thief operating the brake or clutch pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are made to sound when someone attempts to gain entry into your vehicle. They usually make the sound of a loud, piercing ring that will frighten thieves and attract attention from anyone who happens to be in the vicinity. Many thieves are becoming increasingly technologically proficient and know how to shut off alarms quickly. This prevents them from being alerted of anything suspicious in their surroundings. In addition, they can also get away with the car while the owner is out attempting to unlock it.
Modern cars are equipped with alarms, and this is a great way to prevent a theft. These alarms can be activated with the key fob or physical key, and they will monitor the vehicle for movement or vibrations. If they find that something is not right, they will sound the siren and possibly flash the lights.
Certain alarms are programmed to only activate in certain situations, such as when the air pressure changes in the vehicle. This is to discourage thieves from breaking windows in order to take the rims. However, this sensor could sometimes react to things which are totally unrelated, such as earth quakes or train tracks passing through an unconstructed parking lot.
One type of alarm will sound when the ignition of the vehicle has been tampered. This is a useful feature, however it also has the potential for false alarms. This is true especially in the case of a vehicle that has been placed in a dark area where people might accidently bump into it.
There are other methods to protect your vehicle from being taken away using keys. This includes tyre locks, steering wheel locks, and Faraday bag, which blocks the signal from the car to the key fob. It is essential to report the theft to the police as soon as possible and they can provide you with an identification number that can assist them to track down the thieves and retrieve your vehicle. It is also a good idea to consider obtaining a key care coverage from your insurance provider, which will cover the cost of replacing your key fob as well as re-programming the immobiliser.