Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the past few years, a car has been taken with keys inside every 32 seconds. It's not just a random crime.
This is a growing issue especially for luxury car owners. Thieves usually work in pairs. One person holds a relay amplifier while the other carries their transmitter through your driveway.
Keys
The good news is that, in general, car thefts have dropped in the last year -however, the downside is that vehicles are still being stolen with keys inside. This type of crime is especially troubling because it occurs in broad daylight, when people aren't aware of it. If you've lost your keys, or had them stolen must take precautions to safeguard their vehicle.
The first thing you need to do is check your pockets, purse, and other bags in your possession, particularly ones that may contain valuables. Sometimes you'll find your keys in places you didn't expect to, such as the pockets of your jacket or pants in case you went for a run. If you are unable to locate your keys, search other places where you might have used them, such as at work or home. This will give you an idea of where they could be hiding.
If you have a newer vehicle, you'll need to contact the dealer or automaker to get replacement keys made. They contain special chips that need to be re-sequenced to the computer in your vehicle. You'll also have to purchase the new key barrels that go with the new keys. These are expensive however, a investment in the safety of your car is well worth it.
Additionally, you should immediately contact the police to make a report. This will enable police to investigate and locate the culprit. It will also help you in the event that you need to make an insurance claim. Insurance companies typically require a police report to pay for the replacement of your keys or other items.
It is also recommended to install a car alarm or tracking device to prevent your vehicle from being stolen even if you have the keys. These devices deter thieves and, in some cases they can stop them from beginning the car making it more difficult to steal. Some of these devices can be connected to your smartphone and send you notifications if they are tampered or moved without permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it emits signals to notify a potential thief that the vehicle is secure. But that's just the first layer of security.
Thieves are able to capture the signal and use it to unlock the door and start the engine and then drive away. They can do this with almost every vehicle with a smart key, or a push-to-start ignition.
This technique is known as "code grabbing" or "key-cloning." It is a method of electronic devices that is able to capture the signal generated by your key fob, and then transmits it on to another device, luring the car into thinking that the actual keys are close. It's easy enough for a maintenance worker working in a gated community to perform, and the devices used for this type of attack are available on the internet or at your local electronics store for only several hundred dollars.
A new method of theft is targeting controller area networks (CAN) which is a system that allows sensors and control modules to communicate with modern automobiles. By disconnecting your headlights and connecting an electronic device to the controller area network (CAN), thieves can access data that can unlock your car, or even be able to take control of the vehicle while you are driving.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that even though the newer, more advanced keyless entry systems, which are now common in all vehicles, may help to reduce the risk of this type of crime However, they have witnessed a 20% rise in the number of stolen cars whose keys and remotes were left inside. The NICB recommends that you lock your vehicle, even when parked in the driveway to warm it up, or while stopping to get gas or coffee.
Avoid the fads, such as putting your keyfob in the freezer or in the microwave to block the signal. It's not foolproof and is only effective in deterring the most determined thieves. It's also worth looking into having your car's key fob resettled, particularly when you purchase a secondhand one. Most auto locksmiths and dealers are able to perform this task quickly and at a cost that is affordable. However certain experts advise against it if you intend to sell your vehicle.
Locks
If you've ever woken in the morning, headed out to your car, and then realized it's disappeared, you're aware of how horrible it is. Particularly when you don't hear the alarm sound or noticed any telltale signs of intrusion, it can feel like your car just vanished overnight. The worst part of the situation is over but you'll need to return your car back.
As technology has advanced as technology has advanced, thieves have developed their methods of deception. In the movies, you may have seen thieves wiring cars. However, the majority of thieves use technology to hack keyless entry systems. This means that thieves can gain access to your car and drive it away.
A thief could purchase an online device that captures the signal from your car key fob. The thief then transmits the captured signal to a device that unlocks your vehicle and allows the vehicle to start and drive off. This is referred to as a relay attack and criminal gangs are more and more using this technique.
It is possible to stop this from happening. Installing the key lock protector, that blocks the signals from your car's key fob is a way to prevent this. It's a cost-effective solution that is simple to install and can help protect your car from thieves. Installing a tracker to your car is another option. It can help you locate your car in the event of it being stolen.
It's also a good idea to keep your keys somewhere other than in your car, and never put them in the ignition. Contact your insurance company to see if they provide key protection. Some insurers will provide a replacement in the event that keys are stolen.
You can also fit a brake or steering wheel lock to website stop a burglar from driving your car away. On the internet, you can purchase these for a low price and they are easily adjusted to fit all 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 designed to trigger when someone attempts to break into your vehicle. They typically emit an ear-piercing, loud sound that will scare off most thieves and draw the attention of anyone who is in the vicinity. Many thieves are becoming tech-savvy and know how to quickly turn off alarms. This keeps them from being alerted by anything suspicious in their surroundings and allows them to steal the vehicle while the owner is still trying to unlock it.
Modern cars are equipped with an alarm option which is a great method to prevent a theft. Alarms are activated through the key fob, or the physical key. They look over the vehicle and can detect movement or vibrations. If they find something that is not right, the alarm will sound and possibly flash lights.
Certain alarms can be programmed to only activate in certain situations, for example when the air pressure in the vehicle changes. This is to discourage thieves from breaking windows to steal wheels. However, this sensor could occasionally detect things that are not related such as earthquakes or train tracks passing through the parking lot that is not well-constructed.
Another type of alarm is one that will sound if the car's ignition has been tampered with. This is a great feature, but it can be prone to false alarms. This is particularly true if the vehicle is parked in a narrow alley or dark location where pedestrians can accidentally bump into the vehicle.
There are other ways to protect your vehicle from being stolen using keys. These include tyre locks as well as steering wheel locks and the Faraday bag, which blocks the signal of the car from the key fob. Reporting the theft as soon as you can to police is essential. They will provide you with an identification number that will help them find the culprits and recover your vehicle. It is also an excellent idea to think about obtaining a key care insurance from your insurance company that will pay for replacing your key fob and re-programming the immobiliser.