Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the past few years every 32 seconds, a car with the keys inside has been stolen. This isn't an isolated incident.
This is a growing problem particularly for luxury vehicle owners. The thieves typically work in pairs. One person holds an amplifier relay while the other is walking with their transmitter in your driveway.
Keys
The good news is that overall car thefts have decreased over the past year. However, the downside is, cars with keys are still being stolen. This kind of crime is especially threatening because it usually occurs in the open and at times when people aren't anticipating it. Those who lost their keys or had them stolen must to take precautions to safeguard their vehicle.
Check your pockets, purse and any bags that you may have, especially when you think they could contain valuables. Sometimes you'll discover keys in places you didn't think of 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 where you might have used them such as at work or at home. This will help you to find them.
If you have a newer car, you will need to contact the dealership or automaker to have replacement keys made. The keys are equipped with special chips that must be re-synchronized with the car's computer. Also, you will need to purchase new key barrels that go with the new keys. These are expensive but a small investment in the security of your car is worth it.
In addition, you must call the police right away to report the incident. This will help the police investigate and possibly track down the perpetrator, and it will also be helpful if you need to submit an insurance claim. The majority of insurance companies require an official police report to pay for the replacement of your keys and other items.
Installing a car tracker or alarm can help prevent your vehicle being stolen, even if own the keys. These devices can deter thieves and, in certain cases, prevent them from beginning the car making it more difficult to take it away. Some of these devices can be linked to your smartphone and will send you notifications if they are altered or moved without permission.
Remotes
When you lock your vehicle with the key fob it emits a warning signal to alert potential thieves that the vehicle is secure. This is only one of the many layers of security.
The criminals are able to capture this signal and use it for unlocking the door, starting the engine, and then driving away. They can do this with virtually any vehicle equipped with a smart key, or a push-to-start ignition.
It's a straightforward hack known as code grabbing, or "key cloning" which is a device that captures the signal that is sent from your key fob, then transmits it to another device that fools the car into thinking the real digital key is in close proximity. This is a hack that can be done by a maintenance worker at the gated community. The devices for this type of attack are readily available online or at your local electronics store.
Another method of theft is to target the controller area network (CAN) which allows sensors and control modules in modern cars to communicate with each other. By disconnecting your headlights and connecting an electronic device to the controller area network (CAN) thieves are able to access data that can unlock your car, or take over control while you drive.
While the more sophisticated keyless entry systems that are becoming standard on most 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 it is parked in the driveway to warm it up, or when you stop for gas or a coffee.
Don't fall for the hype, such as putting your keyfob in the freezer or in the microwave to block the signal. It's not foolproof and is only a deterrent to most determined thieves. It is also advisable to have your remote reset if you purchase a used model. Many dealers and auto locksmiths can do this quickly, and for a minimal cost. However certain experts advise against it if you intend to sell 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 horrible it is. It can be quite a shock to find out that your car disappeared overnight, particularly in the event that you haven't heard an alarm or noticed any signs of intrusion. The worst part is that the situation is that you still have to get your car back.
The technology has advanced and criminals have adapted to the new methods of stealing. Instead of using hotwires to hack into your car, which is something you might see in a film, the majority of criminals now employ technology to hack your keyless entry system. This means that thieves can unlock your car and drive it away.
A burglar might purchase an online device that can capture the signal from your key fob. They then transmit the captured signal to a different device that opens your vehicle, allowing them to start the car and drive it away. This is known as a relay attack and criminal gangs are more and more using this technique.
You can prevent this from occurring. One option is to get a key lock protector installed, which blocks the signals from your car's keys fob. This is an easy, cheap solution to protect your car against thieves. Another option is to put a tracker on your car, which will help to locate your car if it's stolen.
It's also a good idea to keep your keys somewhere other than inside your car and never put them in the ignition. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to determine if they offer key protection. Some insurance companies may provide a replacement in the event that keys are stolen.
You can also fit a steering wheel lock or brake lock to stop a burglar from stealing your car. On the internet, you can purchase these at a bargain cost and are easily adjustable to fit the majority of automobiles. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles, if you own two cars. There are also locks for the pedals that can stop a thief from operating the clutch or brake pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are designed to trigger when someone tries to break into your car. They usually emit the sound of a loud, piercing ring that can frighten thieves and attract attention from anyone who is in the vicinity. Many thieves are becoming technologically adept and are able to shut off alarms quickly. This means they are not aware of anything suspicious within their surroundings and also enables them to escape with the vehicle even though the owner is still trying to unlock it.
Alarms are available on most modern vehicles, and are an excellent way to prevent theft. These alarms can be activated with the key fob or the physical key, and they will look for any movement or vibrations. If they find that something is wrong they will sound the siren and possibly flash the lights.
Certain alarms are programmed to only activate in certain situations, such as when the air pressure changes in the vehicle. This is to discourage thieves from breaking windows to steal wheels. However, this sensor can sometimes react to things that are not related, such as earth quakes or train tracks passing through the parking lot that is not well-constructed.
A certain type of alarm will sound when website the ignition of the car has been altered. This is a great feature, but it can be susceptible to false triggers. This is especially true if the vehicle is parked in an alley or a dark area where people may accidentally crash into the vehicle.
There are a variety of other methods to protect your vehicle from being stolen using keys, such as the use of tyre clamps as well as steering wheel locks and Faraday bags that stop the car's signal from the key fob. Reporting the theft as soon as you can to the police is crucial. They will provide you with the reference number, which will help them find the thieves and retrieve your vehicle. It is also recommended to consider obtaining a key care cover from your insurance company that will pay for replacing your key fob and re-programming the immobiliser.