Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the past few years the last few years, a car was stolen with the keys within every 32 seconds. And this isn't an isolated incident.
This is a growing problem particularly for owners of luxury cars. Thieves usually work in pairs. One of them is holding an amplifier relay while the other is walking through your driveway using a transmitter device.
Keys
The positive side is that generally speaking, car thefts have dropped in the last year -- but the bad news is that vehicles are still being taken with keys left inside. This kind of crime is especially threatening because it often happens in broad daylight and even when people aren't anticipating it. If you've lost your keys, or had them stolen need to take steps to secure their vehicles.
The first thing to do is check your purse, pockets, and all bags you carry on you, especially ones that may contain valuables. You might discover your keys in odd places, such as pockets on your pants and jacket when you've been running. If you can't find your keys, look around other places where you've used them in, like at home or at work. This will give you a better idea of where they might be hiding.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, you'll need to contact the dealership or automaker to have replacement keys made. These keys contain special chips that must be re-sequenced to the car's computer. It is also necessary to purchase new key barrels for the new keys. They are costly however, a investment in your car's safety is worth it.
Additionally, you should call the police right away to report the incident. This will allow the police to investigate and find the thief. It can also assist you in the event that you need to file an insurance claim. The majority of insurance companies require an official police report to pay for the replacement of your keys and other things.
Installing a car tracking device or alarm can help to prevent your vehicle being stolen, even if own the keys. These devices can deter thieves, and even stop them from getting your car started, making it more difficult to steal. Some of these devices can be linked to your smartphone and will send you alerts when they are tampered or moved without permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it emits a signal to warn potential thieves that the vehicle is secure. But that's only the first layer of protection.
Thieves could still intercept this signal and use it to open the door and start the engine and then drive away. In fact, they can accomplish this on any vehicle that has an electronic key or push-to-start ignition.
It's a hack that is simple to implement. It's called code grabbing or "key cloning," which involves 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 in close proximity. It's not difficult for a maintenance worker in an area with a gated security system to carry out as well, and the tools used for this type of attack are available online or at your local electronics store for just about a couple hundred dollars.
Another method of theft targets the controller area network (CAN), which allows sensors and control modules in modern vehicles to communicate with one another. By disconnecting the headlight and connecting a device to the CAN, thieves could get the information needed to unlock your car, or even take over it while you drive down the highway.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that, while the latest, more advanced keyless entry systems, now standard in most automobiles, could help reduce the risk of this type of crime However, they have witnessed a 20% rise in thefts of cars where keys and remotes were left in. The NICB suggests locking your vehicle at all times, even if you are just warming it up on the driveway or stopping for coffee or gas.
And ignore those fads that are circulating, such as placing your key fob in the microwave or freezer to stop its signal. It is not foolproof, and only works to deter the most determined thieves. It's also worth considering having your vehicle's key fob reprogrammed, especially if you buy a used one. Many auto locksmiths and dealers can do this quickly and at a low cost, but some experts suggest against this when you are planning to sell your vehicle.
Locks
You know how horrible it is to wake up in the morning only to discover that your car is gone. Especially when you haven't heard the alarm sound or seen any obvious indicators of intrusion, it may feel like your car just vanished overnight. Fortunately, the most difficult part is over, but there's the issue of getting it back!
As technology has developed and advanced, thieves have modified their methods of securing. Instead of hotwiring 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 are able to unlock your car and drive it off.
To do this, a criminal can purchase a device online that records the signal transmitted by your car key fob. The thief then transmits the signal to a device that unlocks your vehicle which allows him to start the car and drive away. This is referred to as a relay attack and criminal gangs are more and more using this method.
You can stop this from happening. Installing a key lock protector which blocks signals from your car key fob, is a way to prevent this. This is a simple and cheap solution to protect your car against thieves. Installing a tracker to your car is another option. It will help you locate your vehicle in the event that it's stolen.
It's recommended to keep your keys somewhere else than inside your car and never put them in the ignition. Contact your insurance company to determine if they offer keys protection. Some insurers may even offer a replacement if keys are stolen.
You can also put in a steering lock or brake lock in order to prevent thieves from stealing your vehicle. Online, you can buy these for a low cost and are easily adjustable to fit most automobiles. If you're a two-car household the wheel lock can be used on both vehicles. There are locks for the pedals that protect the person who is operating the clutch or brake pedals.
Alarms
The alarms are designed so that they will sound when someone attempts to steal your car. They typically emit a loud, piercing sound that can frighten criminals and draw the attention of anyone in the area. However the majority of thieves are becoming more and more technologically savvy and are able to shut off most alarms quickly. This can prevent them from being alerted to any suspicious activity in their surroundings. In addition, they could also escape with the vehicle while car stolen after losing keys the owner is out attempting to unlock it.
Modern cars are equipped with an alarm option, and this is a great way to avoid theft. These alarms are activated by the key fob or the physical key. They monitor the vehicle and detect vibrations or movement. If they discover that there is something wrong they will sound the siren and may flash the lights.
Some alarms are programmed to only activate in certain situations for instance, when the pressure of air changes in the vehicle. This is designed to prevent thieves from breaking windows to take the rims. The sensor is able to react to events that are completely unrelated, such as earthquakes or tracks that pass through a poorly constructed parking lot.
A certain type of alarm will sound when the ignition of the car is tampered with. This can be a very useful feature, however it can also trigger false triggers. This is especially true if the vehicle is parked in a narrow alley or a dark area where people can accidentally bump into the vehicle.
There are other ways to protect your vehicle from theft by keys, such as the use of tyre clamps as well as steering wheel locks and Faraday bags, which stop the vehicle's signal from the key fob. Reporting the theft as soon as you can to the police is vital. They will give you a reference number which will assist them in locating the culprits and recover your vehicle. It is also advisable to consider getting a key care policy from your insurance company. It will pay for the replacement of the key fob as well as programming the immobiliser.