Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the last few years every 32 seconds, the car with keys inside has been robbed. This isn't just an opportunistic crime.
This is a problem that is growing particularly for luxury vehicle owners. The thieves typically work in pairs. One person is holding an amplifier for relays while the other is walking with their transmitter around your driveway.
Keys
The good news is that overall the theft rate of cars is down over the last year. But the bad news is that cars with keys still get stolen. This kind of crime is particularly concerning because it occurs in broad daylight, and people aren't expecting it. People who have lost their keys or had them stolen must to take action to protect their vehicle.
Examine your purse, pockets and any bags that you might have, particularly when you think they could contain valuables. Sometimes, you'll discover keys in places you didn't think of, such as the pockets of your jacket or pants if you went running. If you're unable to locate your keys, check other places where you've used them, like in the house or at work. This will give you a better idea of where they might be.
If you own a newer vehicle, you'll have to contact the dealership or automaker to request replacement keys made. The keys are equipped with special chips that need to be re-sequenced to the car's computer. You'll also need to purchase new barrels for the new keys. These can be expensive but they are an investment in the safety of your vehicle.
Additionally, you should immediately contact the police to report the incident. This will allow police to investigate and track down the thief. It will also assist you in the event that 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 or other items.
You should also consider installing a car alarm or tracking device to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen even if you've got keys. These devices will stop thieves from entering your car and, in some cases, prevent them from starting the car making it more difficult to steal. Some of these devices are also connected to your phone and can send you alerts when they are altered or moved without your permission.
Remotes
When you lock your vehicle with the key fob it emits a signal to alert thieves that the vehicle is secure. However, that's only the first of many layers of protection.
Thieves can still capture the signal and use it to open the door, start the engine, and then drive away. In fact, they can accomplish this on any vehicle that has a smart key or push-to-start ignition.
It's a straightforward hack known as code grabbing, or "key cloning" which involves an electronic device that records the signal being sent from your key fob, then transmits it to a different device that tricks the car into thinking that the genuine digital key is nearby. It's simple enough for a maintenance worker in a gated community to perform this, and the equipment used in this kind of attack can be purchased online or at your local electronics store for only several hundred dollars.
Another method of theft is to target the controller area network (CAN) which allows the sensors and control modules in modern vehicles to communicate with one another. By removing your headlight and connecting an electronic device to the controller area network (CAN) criminals can gain access to data that unlocks your car, or take control of your vehicle while you are driving.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that even though the newer advanced, more sophisticated keyless entry systems, which are now common in all automobiles, can help reduce this type of crime, they have seen a 20% rise in thefts of cars where keys and remotes were left in. The NICB recommends locking your vehicle at all times, even if you are just warming it up on the driveway or stopping for coffee or gas.
Avoid the fads, such as placing your keyfob in a freezer or microwave to stop the signal. It's not foolproof and it's only a deterrent to most determined thieves. It's also worth thinking about getting your car's key fob reprogrammed, especially if you buy a used one. Most dealers and auto locksmiths can do this quickly, and at a cost that is affordable. However, some experts advise against this if you are planning to sell your car.
Locks
If you've ever woken up in the morning, went out to the car and then here found it has disappeared, you're aware of how horrible it is. It can be quite a shock to discover that your vehicle has disappeared overnight, especially when you haven't heard the alarm or seen any indications of intrusion. Fortunately, the most difficult part is over, but there's still the challenge of regaining it!
The technology has advanced and thieves have adapted to the new methods of stealing. In the movies, you might have seen thieves wiring cars. However, most thieves employ technology to hack keyless entry systems. The result is that thieves can gain access to your car and take it away.
A burglar might purchase an online device that can capture the signal from your key fob. They then transmit that captured signal to a device which opens your car, allowing them start the car and drive away. This is known as a relay attack and criminal gangs are increasingly using this method.
It is possible to stop this from occurring. One way is to get an extra key lock installed, which blocks signals from your car's keys fob. This is a simple, inexpensive way to safeguard your vehicle from thieves. Installing a tracker on your car is another option. It can help you locate your car in the event that it's stolen.
It's recommended to keep your keys somewhere other than inside your car and never leave keys in the ignition. You should also make sure that you check with your insurance company because some insurance companies offer insurance that covers keys protection and may even offer an exchange in the event of theft.
You can also put in an engine lock or brake lock in order to prevent thieves from stealing your car. On the internet, you can purchase these at a bargain cost and they're easily adjusted to fit all cars. If you're a family with two cars wheel lock is able to be used on both vehicles. There are also locks for the pedals that protect the person who is operating the brake or clutch pedals.
Alarms
The alarms are designed to sound when someone is trying to break into your car. They emit a loud, sharp sound that frightens the majority of thieves. However there are many thieves who are becoming more and more technologically sophisticated and are able to shut off most alarms quickly. This keeps them from being aware of anything suspicious in their surroundings and allows them to escape with the vehicle while the owner is still trying to unlock it.
Alarms are present on the majority of modern cars, making it an excellent method of preventing theft. These alarms can be activated with the key fob, or even the physical key, and they monitor the vehicle for movement or vibrations. If they spot something amiss, the alarm will sound and possibly flash lights.
Certain alarms can be programmed to only activate in certain situations, for example when the pressure of air in the vehicle changes. This is in order to stop thieves from breaking windows to steal wheels. The sensor is able to react to events that are not related, such as earthquakes or tracks that pass through a poorly constructed parking lot.
A certain type of alarm will sound when the ignition of the car has been altered. This is a useful feature, but it can be susceptible to false triggers. This is especially true if the vehicle is parked in an alleyway or dark location where pedestrians may accidentally crash into the vehicle.
There are other ways to protect your vehicle from theft using keys, such as the use of tyre clamps as well as steering wheel locks and Faraday bags, which stop the vehicle's signal from the key fob. It is crucial to report the theft to police as soon as you can and they can provide you with the crime reference number that will help them locate the culprits and retrieve your vehicle. It is also advisable to consider getting a key care policy from your insurance provider. This will pay for the replacement cost of the key fob, as well as reprogramming the immobiliser.