Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the last few years, a car has been stolen with the keys within every 32 seconds. This isn't just an opportunistic crime.
This is a problem that is growing particularly for luxury vehicle owners. The thieves usually operate in pairs. One of them is holding a relay amplifier while the other is walking through your driveway using a transmitter device.
Keys
The good news is, overall the theft rate of cars is down over the past year. However, the downside is, cars with keys are still being stolen. This type of crime is especially threatening because it is often committed in the daylight hours and when people are not anticipating it. Anyone who has lost their keys or had them stolen have to take precautions to safeguard their vehicle.
Check your pockets, purse and any bags that you own, especially if you think they might contain valuables. It is possible to discover your keys in odd places, such as pockets on your jacket and pants in case you've been on the run. If you can't find your keys, check other places that you have used them in, like in your home or at work. This will give you a better idea of where they might be.
If you have a newer vehicle, you'll have to contact the dealership or automaker to get replacement keys made. These keys have special chips that must be re-sequenced with the vehicle's computer. You'll also need to purchase new barrels to accommodate the new keys. These are expensive, but an investment in the safety of your car is well worth it.
You should also contact the police immediately to file a report. This will allow the police to investigate and possibly track down the thief as well as assist you if you need to submit an insurance claim. Insurance companies usually require the police report to pay for replacing your keys or other items.
It is also recommended to install an alarm for your car or a tracking device to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen even if you own keys. These devices can deter thieves and even stop them from starting your car which makes it harder to take it away. Some of these devices are connected to your mobile and will notify you when they're altered or moved without your 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 is just the first of many layers of security.
Thieves are able to capture this signal and use it to unlock the door and then start the engine and then drive away. In fact, they could do this with virtually any vehicle that has a smart key or push-to start ignition.
It's a straightforward hack known as code grabbing, or "key cloning," which is the use of an electronic device that records the signal that is sent from your key fob, then transmits it to another device that tricks the car into thinking the real digital key is close by. It's not difficult for a maintenance worker working in a gated community to perform this, and the equipment used in this type of attack can be purchased on the internet or at your local electronics store for only a few hundred dollars.
A new method of theft is targeting controller area networks (CAN) which is a system that allows sensors and control modules to communicate with modern vehicles. By disconnecting the headlight and connecting the device to the CAN, thieves can get the information required to unlock your car or even take control of it while driving on the highway.
While the more sophisticated keyless entry systems that are now standard on most vehicles may aid in reducing this type of crime However, the National Insurance Crime Bureau has seen a 20% increase in thefts of cars with remotes and keys inside. The NICB suggests that you always lock your vehicle, even when parked in the driveway to warm it up, or while you are stopping for gas or a coffee.
And ignore those fads that are trending, such as placing your key fob in the freezer or microwave to block its signal. It's not foolproof and it's only a deterrent to the most determined thieves. It is also advisable to have your remote reset if you purchase a used model. Many auto locksmiths and dealers can do this fast and at a low cost, but some experts recommend against this when you are planning to sell your vehicle.
Locks
You've experienced how awful it is to wake up in the morning only to discover your car has vanished. It can be quite a shock to discover that your car disappeared overnight, particularly when you haven't heard the alarm or seen any signs of intrusion. The worst part is that the situation is that you're still required to return your car back.
The technology has evolved and thieves have adapted the new methods of stealing. In the movies, you might have seen thieves hotwiring cars. But most thieves use technology to hack keyless entry systems. The result is that get more info thieves can unlock your vehicle and then drive it away.
A thief could purchase an online device that records the signal from your car key fob. The thief will then transmit the signal to a device that opens your vehicle which allows him to start the car and drive away. This is referred to as a relay attack and it's becoming more common for criminal gangs employ this method.
The good news is, you can take steps to stop it from happening to you. One option is to have a key lock protector installed, which blocks signals from your car's key fob. This is a simple and affordable way to guard your car against thieves. Another option is to install a tracker in your vehicle, which can help to locate your vehicle if it's stolen.
It's recommended to keep your keys somewhere else than inside your car and never put them in the ignition. Also, make sure that you check with your insurance provider, as some insurers include insurance that covers keys and will pay for an replacement in the case of theft.
You can also fit a brake or steering wheel lock to stop a burglar from stealing your car. On the internet, you can purchase these locks for a reasonable price and they are easily adjustable to fit most cars. If you're a two-car household, a wheel lock can be used on both cars. There are locks that can be fitted to the pedals, which can stop the thief from using the brake and clutch pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are designed to trigger when someone tries to break into your vehicle. They emit a loud piercing noise that scares off most thieves. However there are many thieves who are becoming more and more technologically savvy and know how to shut off alarms quickly. This can prevent them from being alerted of anything suspicious around them, and they could also escape with the vehicle while the owner is still outside attempting to unlock the car.
Alarms are available on most modern cars, making it a great way of preventing theft. Alarms are activated through the key fob, or the physical key. They are able to monitor the vehicle and detect movement or vibrations. If they find that there is something wrong, they will sound the siren, and then possibly flash the lights.
Some alarms are programmed to only trigger in specific situations for instance, when the pressure of air changes in the vehicle. This is to discourage thieves from breaking the windows to take the rims. However, this sensor can sometimes react to things which are totally unrelated such as earthquakes or train tracks passing through a poorly constructed parking lot.
Another type of alarm will activate if the car's ignition has been altered. This is a useful feature, however it is also prone to false alarms. This is especially true when the vehicle is parked in an alleyway or a dark area where people can accidentally bump into the vehicle.
There are other ways to protect your vehicle from being stolen by keys, such as the use of tyre clamps as well as steering wheel locks and Faraday bags, which prevent the vehicle's signal from the key fob. It is important to report the theft to the police as soon as possible, as they will be able to provide you with the crime reference number that will help them find the culprits and recover your vehicle. It is also advisable to consider getting the key care plan from your insurance provider. It will cover the cost of replacing the key fob as well as programming the immobiliser.