Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the last few years, every 32 seconds the car with keys inside has been robbed. And this isn't just a random crime.
This is a problem that is growing especially for luxury car owners. Thieves usually work in pairs. One person is holding an amplifier relay while the other is walking with their transmitter around your driveway.
Keys
The good news is that generally speaking, car thefts have dropped in the last yearbut the negative is that vehicles are still being stolen with keys left inside. This type of crime is particularly concerning because it occurs in broad daylight, when people aren't aware of it. Those who have lost their keys, or had them stolen should take steps to safeguard their vehicle.
Check your pockets, purse and any other bags you might have, particularly in the event that you suspect they contain valuables. Sometimes, you'll discover your keys in places that you didn't anticipate be, like the pockets of your pants or jacket if you went running. If you cannot find your keys, look in other places you could have used them such as at work or at home. This will help you find them.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, you'll need to contact the dealer or automaker to have replacement keys made. These keys have special chips that have to be re-sequenced to the vehicle's computer. You will also need to purchase the new key barrels that go with the new keys. They are expensive but they are a good investment in the safety of your vehicle.
It is also recommended to contact the police immediately to file an official complaint. This will enable police to investigate and locate the person who stole your items. It will also help you in the event that you need to file an insurance claim. The majority of insurance companies require a police report to pay for the replacement of your keys as well as other things.
It is also recommended to install an alarm for your car or tracking device to stop your vehicle from being stolen even if you've got keys. These devices can stop thieves from entering your car and, in some instances they will stop them from getting the car started which makes it more difficult to steal. Some of these devices can be linked to your smartphone and will send you alerts if they are tampered or moved without your permission.
Remotes
When you lock your vehicle using the key fob, it emits a signal to alert thieves that your vehicle is secured. However, that's only the beginning of many layers of security.
Thieves can still capture this signal and use it to open the door and then start the engine and then drive away. They can do this with virtually any vehicle equipped with a smart key, or an ignition with a push-to-start feature.
This hack is called "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 keys are within. It's easy enough for a maintenance worker working in an area with a gated security system to carry out this, and the equipment used in this kind of attack are available online or at your local electronics store for only several hundred dollars.
Another method of theft targets the controller area network (CAN) which allows sensors and control modules found in modern cars to communicate with each other. By taking off the headlight and connecting the device to the CAN, thieves could take the information needed to unlock your car or even control it while driving on the highway.
While the newer, more sophisticated keyless entry systems that are becoming the norm on a lot of vehicles may help in reducing this kind of crime However, the National Insurance Crime Bureau has observed a 20% increase in the number of thefts from vehicles with remotes and keys inside. The NICB recommends that you always secure your vehicle, even when parked in the driveway to warm it up or while stopping for gas or a coffee.
And ignore those fads that are making the rounds for example, putting your key fob in the freezer or microwave to hinder its signal. It's not foolproof and can only deter the most determined thieves. It's also worth considering having your vehicle's key fob reprogrammed, particularly in the event that you purchase a used one. The majority of auto locksmiths and dealers can do this fast and at a low cost, but some experts suggest against it when you are planning to sell your car.
Locks
You know how horrible it is to awake in the morning only to discover your car has vanished. Especially when you haven't heard your alarm go off or seen any obvious signs of intrusion, it could feel like your car just disappeared overnight. Fortunately, the worst part is over, but there's still the challenge of regaining it!
As technology has advanced and advanced, thieves have modified their methods of securing. Instead of stealing your car's hotwire as you've seen in a film, the majority of criminals now employ technology to hack your keyless entry system. This means that thieves can unlock your vehicle and then drive it away.
A burglar might purchase an online device that captures the signal from your key fob. The thief website then transmits the signal he has captured to a device that opens your car which allows him to start it and drive off. This is called a relay attack and criminal gangs are increasingly using this technique.
The good news is, you can prevent it from happening to you. One option is to have an extra key lock installed, which blocks signals from your car's keys fob. It's a cost-effective solution that is simple to install and can aid in protecting your vehicle from thieves. Another option is to install an electronic tracker inside your car, which helps to locate your car if it's stolen.
It is also recommended that you check with your insurance provider, since some insurers include cover for key protection, and can offer a replacement in the case of theft. You should also make sure that you inquire with your insurance provider since some insurance companies provide insurance that covers keys protection and may even pay for an replacement in the case of theft.
You can also install a steering wheel lock or brake lock to prevent thieves from driving your car away. 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 locks that can be fitted to the pedals, which can stop a thief from using the brake and clutch pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are designed to activate when someone attempts to break into your vehicle. They make a loud, piercing noise that scares off the majority of thieves. Many thieves are becoming increasingly tech-savvy and know how to shut off alarms quickly. This prevents them from being alerted by any suspicious activity in their environment and allows them to steal the vehicle even though the owner is still trying to unlock it.
Alarms are present on the majority of modern vehicles, and are an excellent method of preventing theft. These alarms are activated by the key fob or the physical key. They monitor the vehicle and detect vibrations or movement. If they spot something amiss, the alarm will sound and may flash lights.
Some alarms can be programmed to be activated in certain scenarios such as when the pressure of air in the vehicle changes. This is designed to prevent thieves from breaking the windows in order to steal the rims. This sensor can react to events that are not related, like earthquakes or train tracks passing through a poorly constructed parking lot.
A particular type of alarm can sound when the ignition of the vehicle has been altered. This can be a very useful feature, however it can also trigger false triggers. This is true especially if the vehicle has been placed in a dark area where passersby could accidentally bump into it.
There are several other methods to protect your vehicle from theft with keys, including the use of tyre clamps as well as steering wheel locks and Faraday bags, which block the vehicle's signal from the key fob. It is important to report the theft to the police as quickly as you can, as they can provide you with a crime reference number that can help them track down the thieves and recover your vehicle. It is also advisable to consider getting the key care plan from your insurance provider. It will pay for the replacement cost of the key fob and reprogramming the immobiliser.