Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the last few years, a car has been stolen with keys inside every 32 seconds. This isn't an isolated incident.
This is a problem that is growing particularly for owners of high-end cars. The thieves usually work in pairs. One person is holding an amplifier for relays 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 year -but the negative is that vehicles are still being stolen with keys inside. This type of crime is particularly alarming because it is often committed in the open and even when people aren't anticipating it. People who have lost their keys or had them stolen should take steps to secure their vehicles.
Check your pockets, purse and any bags that you may have, especially in the event that you suspect they contain valuables. It is possible to find your keys in unexpected places, such as 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 where you've used them in, like at home or at work. This will give you a better idea of where they could be hiding.
If you have a newer vehicle, you'll have to contact your automaker or dealer for replacement keys. The keys are equipped with special chips that have to be re-sequenced with the car's computer. Also, you will need to purchase new key barrels that come with the new keys. They are expensive however they are an investment in the security of your vehicle.
You should also contact the police right away to file a complaint. This will allow the police to investigate and find the person who stole your items. It will also help you if you need to submit an insurance claim. Most insurance companies require the police report in order to cover the cost of replacing your keys and other things.
You should also think about installing an alarm for your car or a tracking device to help prevent your vehicle from being taken even if you own keys. These devices can deter thieves, and even stop them from getting your car started, making it more difficult to take it away. Some of these devices are linked to your phone and can send you alerts when they are tampered with or moved without your permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it sends a signal to warn a potential thief that the vehicle is secured. This is only one of the many layers of security.
The criminals can still get this signal and use it to unlock the door, igniting the engine, and driving away. In fact, they could do this with virtually every vehicle with an electronic key or push-to-start ignition.
This hack is called "code grabbing" or "key-cloning." It involves an electronic device which is able to capture the signal generated by your key fob and transmits it to a different device, tricking the car into thinking that the real digital keys are in close. This is a simple hack that can be carried out by a maintenance worker in the gated community. The devices for this kind of attack are available online or at your local electronics retailer.
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 removing the headlight and connecting a device to the CAN, thieves can get the information required to unlock your car or even take over it while you drive on the highway.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that even though the newer advanced, more sophisticated keyless entry systems, which are becoming the norm in many vehicles, may help to reduce the risk of this type of crime However, they have witnessed a 20% rise in the number of stolen cars whose keys and remotes were left in. The NICB suggests that you always lock your vehicle even when it is parked in the driveway to warm it up or while you are stopping for gas or a coffee.
Avoid the fads, such as placing your keyfob in a freezer or microwave to stop the signal. It's not foolproof, and is only a deterrent for the most determined thieves. It's also worth looking into getting your car's key fob reprogrammed, especially when you purchase a secondhand one. The majority of auto locksmiths and dealers can do this fast and inexpensively, though some experts advise against this if you plan to sell your car.
Locks
It's a nightmare is to awake in the morning and find your car gone. Especially when you haven't heard your alarm go off, or seen any obvious signs of intrusion, it could appear as if your car vanished overnight. The worst part is that the situation is over but you still have to get your car back.
As technology has developed and advanced, thieves have modified their methods of deception. 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 are able to unlock your car and then drive it away.
A burglar might purchase an online device that can capture the signal from your car's key fob. The thief transmits the signal he has captured to a device which opens your car and allows the vehicle to start and drive off. This is known as an attack on relays and criminal gangs are increasingly using this technique.
You can stop this from occurring. Installing the key lock protector, which blocks signals from your car's key fob, is one way to prevent this. This is a low-cost and simple solution that will help you protect your vehicle from thieves. Installing a tracker onto your vehicle is a different option. It helps you locate your car in the event of it being stolen.
It's also a good idea to keep your keys somewhere else than in your car, and never put them in the ignition. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to determine if they offer keys protection. Some insurers will 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. These can be bought on the internet for a reasonable cost, and they're easily adjustable to suit most cars. If you're a two-car household wheel lock is able to be used on both vehicles. There are locks for the pedals that can stop the thief from using the brake and clutch pedals.
Alarms
The alarms are designed so that they will sound when someone tries to gain entry into your vehicle. They emit a loud, sharp sound that frightens the majority of thieves. Many thieves are becoming increasingly technologically proficient and know how to shut off alarms quickly. This prevents 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 attempting to unlock the car.
Alarms are standard on modern vehicles, and are an excellent method of preventing theft. These alarms are activated by the key fob, or the physical key. They look over the vehicle and can detect vibrations or movement. If they discover that something is wrong they will sound the siren and possibly flash the lights.
Some alarms can be programmed to only be activated in certain scenarios for instance, when the pressure of air in the vehicle changes. This is in order to stop thieves from breaking windows to steal wheels. The sensor is able to react to things completely unrelated like earthquakes or tracks that pass through a poorly built parking lot.
One type of alarm will sound if the ignition of the car has been altered. This can be a very useful feature, but it is also prone to false triggers. 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 a variety of other ways to protect your vehicle from theft with keys, including the use of tyre clamps as well as steering wheel locks and Faraday bags, which prevent the signal of the car from the key fob. Notifying the theft as quickly as you can to the police is vital. They will give you a reference number which will assist them in locating the thieves and retrieve your vehicle. It is also a good idea to consider obtaining a website key care coverage from your insurance provider, which covers the cost of replacing your key fob as well as re-programming the immobiliser.