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 inside every 32 seconds. This is not just an incident of criminality that is opportunistic.
This is a growing problem, especially for owners of luxury cars. Thieves usually work in pairs. One holds an amplifier for relays while the other walks around your driveway with their transmitter device.
Keys
The good news is that generally speaking car thefts have decreased in the last year- but the bad news is that vehicles are still being stolen with keys inside. This kind of crime is particularly alarming because it usually occurs in the daylight hours and at times when people aren't anticipating it. Those who have lost their keys or had them stolen should take steps to secure their vehicles.
The first thing to do is look over your pockets, purse, and other bags on you, especially those that could contain valuables. You might find your keys in unexpected places, like pockets on your jacket and pants when you've been running. If you cannot find your keys, look in other places you may have used them, such as at work or home. This will help you to find them.
If you own a newer vehicle, you'll have to contact your dealer or automaker for replacement keys. These keys have special chips that have to be re-sequenced with the car's computer. You'll also need to purchase new key barrels to accommodate the new keys. These are expensive, but an investment in the security of your car is well worth it.
In addition, you must immediately contact the police to report the incident. This will enable the police to investigate and track down the culprit. It will also help you if you need to file an insurance claim. Insurance companies will often require an official police report to cover the cost for the replacement of your keys or other items.
Installing a car tracking device or alarm can help keep your vehicle from being taken away, even if you have the keys. These devices can deter thieves, and in some cases, stop them from getting your car started which makes it harder to steal. Some of these devices are also linked to your phone and can notify you when they are altered or moved without your consent.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it emits a warning signal to alert potential thieves that your vehicle is secured. This is only the beginning of many layers of security.
Thieves could still intercept that signal and use it to open the door and start the engine and drive away. They can do this with almost any vehicle that has a smart key, or an ignition that is push-to-start.
It's a simple hack called code grabbing or "key cloning" which is the use of an electronic device that records the signal being sent from your key fob and transmits it to a different device that tricks the car into thinking that the actual digital key is nearby. It's not difficult for a maintenance person in a gated community to perform, and the devices used in this kind of attack are available online or at your local electronics shop for about a couple hundred dollars.
Another method of theft is to target the controller area network (CAN), which allows sensors and control modules of modern vehicles to communicate with one another. By taking off the headlight and connecting the device to the CAN, thieves can take the information required to unlock your car or even take over it while you drive along the highway.
While the newer, more sophisticated keyless entry systems that are becoming commonplace on many vehicles could aid in reducing this type of crime however, the National Insurance Crime Bureau has seen a 20% increase in the number of thefts from vehicles that have keys and remotes inside. The NICB suggests locking your vehicle at all times, even if you are just warming it up on the driveway or going to get gas or coffee.
Beware of the fads that are circulating for example, placing your key fob inside the microwave or freezer to block its signal. It's not foolproof, and is only a deterrent for the most determined thieves. It's also worth considering having your vehicle's key fob reprogrammed, especially in the event that you purchase a used one. The majority of auto locksmiths and dealers can do this quickly and at a low cost, but some experts recommend against it in the event of selling your vehicle.
Locks
If you've ever woken up in the morning, walked out to the car and then discovered it had disappeared, you know just how awful it feels. It can be a shock to discover that your car has disappeared overnight, especially in the event that you haven't heard an alarm or noticed any indications of intrusion. The worst part is that the situation is over but you're still required to return your car back.
As website technology has advanced, thieves have adapted their methods of securing. Instead of stealing your car's hotwire as you may see in a movie, thieves are now using technology to hack your keyless entry system. This means that thieves can unlock your vehicle and then take it away.
To accomplish this, a burglar can buy a device that can capture the signal sent by your car key fob. The thief will then transmit the captured signal to a device that opens your vehicle which allows the vehicle to start and drive off. This is known as a relay attack, and it's becoming more common for criminal gangs to use this technique.
You can stop this from occurring. One option is to have an extra key lock installed, which blocks the signals coming from your car's key fob. This is an easy, cheap solution to protect your car against thieves. Another option is to install a tracker on your car, which helps to locate your car if it's stolen.
It's recommended to keep your keys somewhere other than inside your car and never leave them in the ignition. It is also recommended that you inquire with your insurance provider since some insurance companies provide insurance for key protection and may provide an exchange in the case of theft.
You can also put in a steering wheel lock or brake lock to stop a burglar from stealing your car. They can be purchased online for a relatively low cost, and they're easily adjustable to fit the majority of automobiles. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles if you have two cars. There are locks for the pedals, which could stop a thief from using the brake and clutch pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are designed to trigger when someone tries to break into your vehicle. They usually emit a loud, piercing sound that can frighten criminals and draw the attention of anyone in the area. Many thieves are becoming technologically proficient and know how to quickly shut off alarms. This could prevent them from being alerted of anything suspicious in their surroundings. In addition, they could also escape by stealing the vehicle even though the owner is out attempting to unlock it.
Alarms are standard on modern cars, making it an excellent way to prevent theft. Alarms can be activated by the key fob, or even the physical key, and they check the vehicle for movement or vibrations. If they find something that is not right the alarm will sound and possibly flash lights.
Certain alarms are programmed to only trigger in specific situations, such as when the pressure of air changes in the vehicle. This is to deter thieves from breaking windows to steal the wheels. However, this sensor can occasionally react to events that are completely unrelated, such as earth quakes or train tracks passing by an unconstructed parking lot.
Another kind of alarm is one that will activate if the car's ignition has been altered. This is a useful feature, but it is also prone to false alarms. This is especially true if the vehicle is parked in an alleyway or dark location where pedestrians might accidentally hit the vehicle.
There are other methods to prevent your vehicle from being stolen by using keys. This includes tyre locks as well as steering wheel locks and Faraday bag, which blocks the signal from the car to the key fob. Reporting the theft as soon as you can to police is crucial. They will provide you with the reference number, which can assist in locating the thieves and retrieve your vehicle. It is also recommended to get an insurance policy for key care from your insurance company. This will cover the cost of replacing the key fob and changing the immobiliser.