Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the last few years, every 32 seconds an automobile with keys inside has been taken. This is not just an incident of criminality that is opportunistic.
This is a growing issue, especially for owners of luxury cars. Thieves often work in pairs. One person holds an amplifier relay while the other walks with their transmitter around 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 stolen with keys left inside. This kind of crime is particularly alarming because it happens in broad daylight, and people don't expect it. Those who lost their keys or had them stolen have to take precautions to safeguard their vehicle.
Check your pockets, purse and any other bags you might have, particularly when you think they could contain valuables. You might find your keys in strange places, like the pockets of your jacket and pants in case you've been on the run. If you're unable to locate your keys, search other places you've used them, like in your home or at work. This will help you to locate them.
If you own a newer vehicle, you'll need to contact your dealer or automaker to request replacement keys. These keys contain special chips that need to be re-sequenced to the car's computer. You'll also have to purchase new key barrels that come with the new keys. They are costly but a small investment in the safety of your car is well worth it.
Additionally, you should call the police right away to report the incident. This will enable police to investigate and track down the culprit. It will also help you in the event that you need to submit 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 things.
You should also consider installing a car alarm or tracking device to prevent your vehicle from being stolen even if you have the keys. These devices will discourage thieves and, in certain cases they can stop them from starting the car, making it harder to take it away. Some of these devices can be connected to your smartphone and will send you alerts if they are tampered or moved without your permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it emits signals to notify any potential thieves that your vehicle is secured. This is only the beginning of your security.
The thieves can still capture this signal and use it to open the door, starting the engine, and driving away. In fact, they can do this with virtually any vehicle equipped with a smart key or push-to start ignition.
This method of hacking is known as "code grabbing" or "key-cloning." It involves an electronic device that captures the signal sent by your key fob and then transmits it to a different device, luring the car into believing the actual digital keys are close. It's simple enough for a maintenance worker in an area with a gated security system to carry out, and the devices used in this kind of attack are available online or at your local electronics store for only a few hundred dollars.
A new method of theft targets controller area networks (CAN) which is a network that allows sensors and control modules to communicate with modern vehicles. By disconnecting your headlights and connecting an electronic device to the controller area network (CAN), thieves can steal data that will unlock your car, or even take over control while you drive.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that even though the newer advanced, more sophisticated keyless entry systems, now standard in most automobiles, can help reduce the risk of this type of crime, they have seen an increase of 20% in thefts of cars where keys and remotes were kept inside. The NICB recommends locking your vehicle at all times even if you're just warming it up on the driveway or stopping for coffee or gas.
Don't be fooled by the fads and scams that are circulating for example, placing your key fob in the microwave or freezer to block its signal. It's not foolproof and is only a deterrent to most determined thieves. It's also worth considering having your car's key fob reprogrammed, especially in the event that you purchase a used one. Most dealers and auto locksmiths can perform this task quickly and at a low cost. However, some experts advise against this if you are planning to sell your car.
Locks
If you've ever woken up in the morning, walked out to the car and then realized it's disappeared, you'll know how awful it feels. It's a bit shocking to find out that your car disappeared overnight, especially 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 still the problem of getting it back!
As technology has advanced, thieves have adapted their methods of stealth. Instead of using hotwires to hack into your car like you may see in a film, the majority of thieves are now using technology to hack your keyless entry system. The result is that thieves can unlock your vehicle and drive it off.
A burglar could buy an online device that captures the signal from your key fob. They then transmit the captured signal to another device that opens your vehicle, allowing them to begin driving it away. This is called a relay attack and criminal gangs are increasingly employing this technique.
The good news is, you can take steps to stop it from happening to you. One option is to get a key lock protector installed, which blocks signals from your car's keys fob. This is a cheap and simple solution that will help you protect your car from thieves. Installing a tracker on your car is another option. It can help you locate your vehicle in the event of it being stolen.
You should also ensure that you inquire with your insurance provider, since certain insurers offer coverage for key protection and could pay for a replacement in the event of theft. Contact your insurance company to see if they cover key protection. Some insurers may even provide a replacement in the event that the keys are stolen.
You can also put in a brake or steering lock to stop the thief driving away with your vehicle. On the internet, you can purchase these locks for a reasonable price and they are easily adjustable to fit the majority of cars. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles, if you own two cars. There are locks for the pedals which can stop a thief from operating the clutch or brake pedals.
Alarms
The alarms are designed so that they will sound when someone tries to break into your car. They typically emit a loud, piercing sound that can frighten thieves and draw the attention of anyone who is in the vicinity. However there are many thieves who are becoming more and more technologically savvy and are able to shut off alarms swiftly. This keeps them from being aware of anything suspicious within their surroundings, and it also allows them to steal the vehicle even though the owner is trying to unlock it.
Alarms are present on the majority of modern cars, which is an excellent way to prevent theft. Alarms can be activated with the key fob, or even the physical key, and they look for any vibrations or movements. If they find that something is wrong, they will sound the siren, and then possibly flash the lights.
Certain alarms can be programmed to only activate in certain circumstances for instance, when the pressure of air in the vehicle changes. This is intended to deter thieves from breaking windows in order to steal the rims. This sensor can react to events that are not related, such as earthquakes or tracks of trains passing through a poorly built parking lot.
A stolen car key particular type of alarm can sound in the event that the ignition of the vehicle is tampered with. This is a useful feature, but it also has the potential for false triggers. This is especially true if the vehicle is parked in an alley or dark location where pedestrians can accidentally bump into the vehicle.
There are other ways to stop your car from being stolen using keys. This includes tyre locks and steering wheel locks and a Faraday bag that blocks the signal from the car to the key fob. Making the report as soon as you can to the police is vital. They will provide you with an identification number that will help them find the culprits and recover your vehicle. You should also consider obtaining an insurance policy for key care from your insurance provider. This will pay for the replacement of the key fob, as well as reprogramming the immobiliser.