Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the past few years every 32 seconds, an automobile with keys inside has been robbed. This isn't just an incident of criminality that is opportunistic.
This is a growing problem particularly for owners of luxury automobiles. Thieves often work in pairs. One of them is holding an amplifier for relays while the other is walking around your driveway with their transmitter device.
Keys
The positive side is that in general, car thefts have dropped over the past year -- but the bad news is that cars are still being taken with keys left inside. This kind of crime is particularly alarming because it usually occurs in broad daylight and at times when people aren't expecting it. If you've lost your keys or had them stolen should take steps to protect their vehicles.
Examine your purse, pockets and any other bags you may have, especially in the event that you suspect they contain valuables. Sometimes, you'll find your keys in places that you didn't expect to be, like the pockets of your jacket or pants in case you went for a run. If you are unable to locate your keys, look in other places you may have used them such as at work or at home. This will give you an idea of where they might be.
If you own a newer vehicle, you'll need contact your dealer or automaker for replacement keys. These keys have special chips that have to be re-sequenced with the vehicle's computer. You will also have to purchase new key barrels to accommodate the new keys. These can be expensive however they are a good investment in the safety of your vehicle.
You should also contact the police immediately to make an official complaint. This will allow police to investigate and locate the person who stole your items. It can also assist you if you want to make an insurance claim. Insurance companies usually require an official police report to pay to replace your keys or other items.
Installing a vehicle tracking device or alarm could help prevent your vehicle being taken away, even if you have the keys. These devices can deter thieves and, in some cases, prevent them from starting the car making it more difficult to take it away. Some of these devices can be connected to your smartphone and will send you alerts when they are altered or moved without permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it sends a signal to warn anyone who might steal your car that the vehicle is secure. But that's just the first layer of protection.
Thieves can still capture this signal and use it to unlock the door and start the engine and drive away. They can do this with almost every vehicle with smart keys, or a push-to-start ignition.
This method of hacking is known as "code grabbing" or "key-cloning." It involves an electronic device which captures the signal sent by your key fob, and then transmits it to a different device, luring the car into believing the real digital keys are close. It's not difficult for a maintenance worker in an area with a gated security system to carry out as well, and the tools used in this kind of attack can be purchased from the internet or in your local electronics store for only several hundred dollars.
A new method of theft targets controller area networks (CAN) which is a system that allows sensors and control modules to communicate with modern automobiles. By taking off your headlight and connecting an electronic device to the controller area network (CAN), thieves can steal data that will unlock your car, or be able to take control of the vehicle while you drive.
While the newer, more sophisticated keyless entry systems that are now the norm on a lot of vehicles may aid in reducing this type of crime, 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 that you always lock your vehicle even when you park it in the driveway to warm it up or while you are stopping to get gas or coffee.
Ignore the fads, like putting your keyfob in the freezer or in the microwave to block the signal. It's not foolproof, and is only a deterrent to the most determined thieves. It is also advisable to have the remote of your vehicle reprogrammed in case you purchase a used model. Most auto locksmiths and dealers can do this fast and at a cost that is affordable. However, some experts advise against it if you plan to sell your car.
Locks
You know how horrible it is to awake in the morning and find your car gone. It's a bit shocking to find out that your car disappeared overnight, particularly when you haven't heard the alarm or seen any signs of intrusion. Thankfully, the worst part is over, but there's still the problem of getting it back!
The technology has changed and thieves have adapted the new methods of stealing. Instead of stealing your car's hotwire like you've seen in a film, the majority of thieves are now using technology to hack your keyless entry system. This means that thieves can unlock your vehicle and then take it away.
A burglar might purchase an online device that records the signal from your car key fob. They then transmit that captured signal to a device which opens your car, allowing them to begin driving it away. This is known as a relay attack, and it's becoming more common for criminal gangs to employ this method.
The good news is, you can take steps to prevent it from happening to you. Installing a key lock protector that blocks signals from your car's key fob, is one method to avoid this. This is a simple, affordable way to guard your vehicle from thieves. Another option is to install a tracker on your vehicle, which can help to locate your car if it's stolen.
It's also a good idea to keep your keys somewhere else than in your car, and never leave them in the ignition. It is also recommended that you inquire with your insurance company because some insurance companies offer cover for keys protection and may even provide an replacement in the case of theft.
You can also fit a steering wheel lock or brake lock to stop a burglar from stealing your car. Online, you can buy these at a bargain price and they are easily adjustable to fit most cars. If you have a couple of cars the wheel lock can be used in both vehicles. There are locks for the pedals, which can stop a thief from using the brake and clutch pedals.
Alarms
The alarms are constructed to sound when someone tries to break into your car. They emit a loud, sharp sound that frightens the majority of thieves. However, many thieves are becoming technologically savvy, and they know how to shut off alarms quickly. This keeps them from being aware of anything suspicious within their surroundings, and it also allows them to steal the vehicle while the owner is still trying to unlock it.
Alarms are present on the majority of modern cars, more info making it an excellent method of preventing theft. These alarms can be activated using the key fob, or even the physical key, and they look for any motions or vibrations. If they discover that something is wrong, they will sound the siren and may flash the lights.
Certain alarms can be programmed to only activate in certain situations such as when the pressure inside the vehicle changes. This is designed to prevent thieves from breaking the windows to steal the rims. However, this sensor could occasionally detect things that are completely unrelated, such as earth quakes 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 damaged. This is a helpful feature, but it can be susceptible to false alarms. This is particularly true if the vehicle is parked in an alleyway or dark location where pedestrians might accidentally hit the vehicle.
There are other options to stop your car from being taken away using keys. This includes tyre locks as well as steering wheel locks and the Faraday bag, which blocks the signal from the car to the key fob. Reporting the theft as soon as you can to the police is vital. They will provide you with the reference number, which will help them find the thieves and retrieve your vehicle. You should also consider obtaining a key care policy from your insurance provider. This will cover the cost of replacing the key fob and reprogramming the immobiliser.