Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the past few years, every 32 seconds a car with the keys inside has been taken. This isn't just a random crime.
This is a problem that is growing, especially for owners of high-end cars. The thieves typically work in pairs. One person holds an amplifier for relays while the other walks with their transmitter through your driveway.
Keys
The good news is that overall the theft rate of cars is down over the last year. However, the downside is that cars with keys still get stolen. This kind of crime can be particularly alarming because it happens in broad daylight, when people don't expect it. Those who have lost their keys or had them stolen, must take precautions to protect their vehicles.
Check your pockets, purse and any bags that you might have, particularly in the event that you suspect they contain valuables. Sometimes you will discover your keys in places that you didn't anticipate, such as the pockets of your jacket or pants when you ran. If you're unable to locate your keys, look around other places that you have used them, like at home or at work. This will assist you to find them.
If you own a newer car, you will need to contact the dealer or automaker to have replacement keys made. These keys contain special chips that need to be re-sequenced to the vehicle's computer. You will also need to purchase the new key barrels that come with the new keys. They are costly but a small investment in your car's safety is worth it.
In addition, you should immediately call the police to make a report. This will allow the police to in their investigation and may even help them track down the perpetrator as well as be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim. Insurance companies typically require an official police report to pay for the replacement of your keys or other items.
Installing a car tracking device or alarm can help keep your vehicle from being stolen, even if own the keys. These devices can deter thieves and in some cases, stop them from beginning your vehicle making it harder to take it away. Some of these devices are connected to your mobile and can notify you when they're altered or moved without your consent.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it sends an alarm to alert any potential thieves that your vehicle is secured. But that is just the first of many layers of protection.
The criminals are able to capture this signal and use it to unlock the door, igniting the engine, and driving away. In fact, they can accomplish this on any vehicle that has a smart key or push-to-start ignition.
This technique is known as "code grabbing" or "key-cloning." It involves an electronic device which captures the signal sent by your key fob and then transmits it to a different device, luring the car into thinking that the actual digital keys are in close. It's easy enough for a maintenance person in a gated community to do this, and the equipment used for this type of attack can be purchased online or at your local electronics store for just several hundred dollars.
Another method of theft targets the controller area network (CAN), which allows sensors and control modules of modern vehicles to communicate with each other. By disconnecting your headlights and connecting an electronic device to the controller area network (CAN), thieves can steal data that will unlock your car, or even take control of your vehicle while you are driving.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that, while the latest advanced, more sophisticated keyless entry systems, which are becoming standard in most automobiles, could help reduce this type crime However, they have witnessed a 20% rise in the theft of cars where keys and remotes were left in. The NICB recommends locking your car at all times even if you're just warming it up in the driveway or going to get gas or coffee.
Don't fall for the hype, such as putting your keyfob in the freezer or microwave to block the signal. It's not foolproof, and is only effective in deterring the most determined thieves. It's also worth considering having the remote of your vehicle reprogrammed in case you purchase a used model. Most dealers and auto locksmiths can do this quickly and at a low cost, but some experts suggest against doing this if you plan to sell your vehicle.
Locks
If you've ever woken up in the morning, went to your car and then realized it's disappeared, you'll know how terrible it feels. Especially when you haven't heard your alarm go off, or noticed any telltale signs of intrusion, it may feel like your car just disappeared overnight. Fortunately, the worst part is over, but there's still the problem of regaining it!
The technology click here has advanced and thieves have adapted to the new methods of stealth. Instead of hotwiring your car, which is something you've seen in a movie, thieves are now using technology to hack your keyless entry system. The result is that thieves can unlock your car and then drive off.
A burglar could buy an online device that captures the signal from your car's key fob. They then transmit that signal to a device which opens your car, allowing them to begin driving away. This is referred to a relay attack, and it's becoming more common for criminal gangs employ this method.
The good news is that you can take steps to prevent it from happening to you. Installing a key lock protector, that blocks the signals from your car's key fob, is a method to avoid this. This is a cheap, easy solution that can help protect your car from thieves. Another option is to put an electronic tracker inside your car, which helps to locate your vehicle if it's stolen.
It's also a good idea to keep your keys somewhere other than in your car, and never put keys in the ignition. Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover keys protection. Some insurance companies may offer a replacement if the keys are stolen.
You can also fit a steering wheel lock or brake lock to prevent thieves from stealing your car. On the internet, you can purchase these for a low cost and are easily adjusted to fit all automobiles. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles, if you own two vehicles. There are locks for the pedals which can protect the person who is operating the brake or clutch pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are made to sound when someone attempts to break into your vehicle. They usually make the sound of a loud, piercing ring that will frighten thieves and attract attention from anyone in the area. Many thieves are becoming increasingly technologically proficient and know how to shut off alarms quickly. This prevents them from being alerted by any suspicious activity in their environment, and it also allows them to steal the vehicle even though the owner is 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 are able to monitor the vehicle and detect vibrations or movement. If they find that something is wrong they will sound the siren and possibly flash the lights.
Some alarms can be programmed to only activate in certain situations such as when the pressure inside the vehicle changes. This is to discourage thieves from breaking windows to steal the wheels. However, this sensor can occasionally detect things which are totally unrelated, such as earth quakes or train tracks that pass by a poorly constructed parking lot.
Another kind of alarm is one that will be activated if the vehicle's ignition has been altered. This is a useful feature, however it also has the potential for false triggers. This is particularly true if the vehicle is parked in an alley or a dark area where people might accidentally hit the vehicle.
There are other methods to protect your vehicle from being stolen using keys. This includes tyre locks and steering wheel locks and a Faraday bag that blocks the signal of the car from the key fob. It is essential to report the theft to the police as soon as you can, as they will be able to provide you with a crime reference number that can help them locate the culprits and retrieve your vehicle. It is also recommended to look into obtaining key care coverage from your insurance provider, that will pay for replacing your key fob as well as re-programming the immobiliser.