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 a case of opportunistic criminality.
This is a growing problem particularly for owners of luxurious automobiles. The thieves usually work in pairs. One person is holding a relay amplifier while the other walks with their transmitter around your driveway.
Keys
The good news is that generally speaking the number of car thefts has decreased over the past year -however, the downside is that cars are still being stolen with keys left inside. This type of crime can be particularly concerning because it occurs in broad daylight, when people don't expect it. Those who lost their keys or had them stolen need to take steps to secure their vehicle.
Examine your purse, pockets and any other bags you might have, particularly in the event that you suspect they contain valuables. You may find your keys in strange places, such as the pockets of your jacket and pants when you've been running. If you cannot find your keys, search other places you could have used them such as at home or work. This will help you to locate them.
If you own a newer vehicle, you'll have to contact your dealership or automaker for replacement keys. Keys with special chips that have to be re-synchronized with the car's computer. You'll also need to purchase new barrels to accommodate the new keys. They are costly however, a investment in the security of your car is worth it.
In addition, you must call the police right away to file a report. This will allow the police to investigate and locate the thief. It will also assist you if you need to make an insurance claim. Insurance companies typically require the police report in order to cover the cost of replacing your keys as well as other items.
Installing a car tracking device or alarm can help keep your vehicle from being stolen, even if have the keys. These devices can deter thieves, and in some cases prevent them from getting your car started which makes it harder to steal. Some of these devices are also connected to your phone and can send you alerts when they're altered or moved without your consent.
Remotes
When you lock your vehicle with the key fob it emits a signal to alert potential thieves that the vehicle is secured. But that's just the first layer of protection.
Thieves are able to capture that signal and use it to unlock the door, start the engine, and drive away. They can do this with virtually any vehicle equipped with smart keys or an ignition with a push-to-start feature.
It's a hack that is simple to implement. It's called code grabbing or "key cloning," which involves an electronic device that detects the signal sent by your key fob, then transmits it to another device that tricked the car into thinking that the real digital key is nearby. It's easy enough for a maintenance person in a gated community to do this, and the equipment used in this type 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 the sensors and control modules found in modern vehicles to communicate with each other. By taking off the headlight and connecting the device to the CAN, thieves are able to get the information needed to unlock your car, or even take over it while driving along the highway.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that, while the latest advanced, more sophisticated keyless entry systems, now standard in most vehicles, may help to reduce this type crime, they have seen a 20% rise in the number of stolen cars whose keys and remotes were left in. The NICB recommends that you always lock your car even when it is parked in the driveway to warm it up, or while stopping for coffee or gas.
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. You should also consider having your remote reset if you buy a second-hand model. The majority of auto locksmiths and dealers can do this quickly and cheaply, although some experts recommend against it in the event of selling your vehicle.
Locks
You've experienced how awful it is to wake up in the morning and discover that your car is gone. Particularly when you don't hear the alarm sound or seen any obvious signs of intrusion, it could seem like your car has vanished overnight. The worst part of the situation is that you still have to get your car back.
The technology has evolved and thieves have adapted to the new methods of stealth. In the movies, you may have seen thieves hotwiring cars. However, the majority of thieves use technology to hack keyless entry systems. This means that thieves can gain access to your vehicle and then drive it away.
To do this, a burglar can buy a device that can capture the signal sent by your car's key fob. The thief will then transmit the signal to a device which opens your car, allowing him to start it and drive away. This is known as relay attacks and criminal gangs are increasingly using this technique.
You can prevent this from happening. Installing a key lock protector that blocks signals from your car's key fob, is a method to avoid this. This is an easy, inexpensive way to safeguard your vehicle from thieves. Another option is to put a tracker on your vehicle, which can help to locate your car if it is stolen.
It's recommended to keep your keys somewhere else than in your car, and never leave keys in the ignition. It is also recommended that you check with your insurance company since some insurance companies provide insurance that covers key protection and may provide an read more exchange in the event of theft.
You can also install a steering wheel lock or brake lock to prevent thieves from stealing your car. On the internet, you can purchase these for a low price and they are easily adjustable to fit most automobiles. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles, if you own two vehicles. There are even locks for the pedals that can stop a thief from operating the brake and clutch pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are made to sound when someone attempts to break into your car. They usually emit an ear-piercing, loud sound that will scare off most criminals and draw the attention of anyone in the area. Many thieves are becoming tech-savvy and know how to shut off alarms quickly. This could prevent them from being alerted to any suspicious activity in their surroundings, and they can also get away with the vehicle while the owner is out trying to unlock it.
Alarms are standard on modern cars, which is a great way of preventing theft. Alarms are activated by the key fob, or the physical key. They are able to monitor the vehicle and detect vibrations or movement. If they discover that something is not right they will sound the siren, and then possibly flash the lights.
Some alarms are programmed so that they only trigger in specific situations like when the air pressure changes in the vehicle. This is to deter thieves from breaking windows to steal the wheels. However, this sensor can occasionally react to events that are completely unrelated such as earthquakes or train tracks that pass by an unconstructed parking lot.
One type of alarm will sound in the event that the ignition of the vehicle has been tampered. This is a useful feature, but it can be prone to false triggers. This is especially true if the vehicle is parked in a narrow alley or a dark area where people might accidentally hit the vehicle.
There are a variety of alternatives to safeguard your vehicle from theft using keys, such as the use of tyre clamps as well as steering wheel locks and Faraday bags that prevent the car's signal from the key fob. Reporting the theft as soon as you can to police is vital. They will provide you with a reference number which will help them find the thieves and return your vehicle. It is also advisable to consider getting an insurance policy for key care from your insurance company. This will cover the cost of replacing the key fob, as well as reprogramming the immobiliser.