Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the past few years, a car has been taken with keys inside every 32 seconds. This isn't just an instance of criminality based on opportunism.
This is a growing problem especially for luxury car owners. The thieves often work in pairs. One of them is holding an amplifier relay while the other trundles around your driveway with their transmitter device.
Keys
The positive side is that generally speaking the number of car thefts has decreased in the last year -- but the bad news is that vehicles are still being stolen with keys inside. This type of crime is particularly concerning because it occurs in the open, when people don't expect it. People who have lost their keys or had them stolen must to take action to protect their vehicle.
Examine your purse, pockets and any bags that you may have, especially when you think they could contain valuables. Sometimes, you'll discover keys in places you didn't think of, such as the pockets of your jacket or pants if you went running. If you're unable to locate your keys, check other places where you've used them, such as 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 dealer or automaker to request replacement keys made. The keys are equipped with special chips that need to be re-sequenced to the vehicle's computer. You will also need to purchase new key barrels that come with the new keys. These can be expensive however they are a great investment in the security of your vehicle.
Additionally, you should call the police right away to make a report. This will allow the police to investigate and possibly track down the perpetrator as well as help if you have to make an insurance claim. Insurance companies typically require an official police report to pay for the replacement of your keys as well as other things.
You should also consider installing an alarm for your car or tracking device to prevent your car from being stolen even if you own the keys. These devices can deter thieves and even stop them from beginning your vehicle, making it more difficult to steal. Some of these devices can be linked to your smartphone and send you alerts when they are altered or moved without your permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car by using the key fob, it emits a signal to alert thieves that your vehicle is secure. However, that's only one of the many layers of security.
Thieves could still intercept the signal and use it to unlock the door and start the engine and then drive away. In fact, they can do this on virtually every vehicle with a smart key or push-to-start ignition.
This method of hacking is known as "code grabbing" or "key-cloning." It involves an electronic device which is able to capture the signal generated by your key fob and then transmits it to a different device, luring the car into believing that the real digital keys are close. It's simple enough for a maintenance person 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 shop for about a couple 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 in modern automobiles. By disconnecting the headlight and connecting the device to the CAN, thieves are able to take the information needed to unlock your car, or even control it while you're driving it on the highway.
While the newer, more sophisticated keyless entry systems that are becoming standard on most vehicles may help in reducing this kind of crime However, the National Insurance Crime Bureau has witnessed a 20 percent increase in the number of thefts from vehicles with keys and remotes left inside. The NICB suggests that you always lock your vehicle, even when parked in the driveway to warm it up or while stopping to get gas or coffee.
Don't fall for the hype, such as placing your key fob in the freezer or in the microwave to block the signal. It's not foolproof and is only a deterrent for the most determined thieves. It's also worth looking check here into getting your car's key fob resettled, particularly when you purchase a secondhand one. Most auto locksmiths and dealers can do this quickly, and at a low cost. However some experts recommend against this if you are planning to sell your vehicle.
Locks
If you've ever woken in the morning, went to your car and then found it has disappeared, you know just how terrible it feels. It can be quite a shock to discover that your car disappeared overnight, especially in the event that you haven't heard an alarm or observed any signs of intrusion. The worst part of the situation is over but you're still required to return your car back.
The technology has evolved and thieves have adapted the latest methods of securing. Instead of stealing your car's hotwire like you might see in a movie, thieves now use technology to hack your keyless entry system. The result is that thieves can unlock your car and then drive off.
A thief could purchase an online device that can capture the signal from your key fob. They then transmit that signal to a different device that opens your vehicle, allowing them to start and drive it away. This is referred to a relay attack and it's becoming increasingly common for criminal gangs employ this method.
You can prevent this from happening. Installing a key lock protector that blocks signals from your car's key fob, is one method to avoid this. This is a simple, cheap solution to protect your vehicle from thieves. Another option is to put a tracker in your car, which helps to locate your car if it is stolen.
You should also ensure that you check with your insurance provider, as some insurers include cover for key protection, and can pay for a replacement in the case of theft. You should also make sure that you check with your insurance provider since some insurance companies provide insurance for keys and will pay for an replacement in the case of theft.
You can also install an engine lock or brake lock in order to prevent the thief driving away with your vehicle. They can be purchased on the internet for a reasonable cost, and are easily adjustable to suit most cars. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles, if you own two cars. There are locks for the pedals that protect the person who is operating the brake or clutch pedals.
Alarms
The alarms are constructed so that they will sound when someone tries to gain entry into your vehicle. They usually make the sound of a loud, piercing ring that will frighten criminals and draw the attention of anyone who happens to be in the vicinity. 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. In addition, they can also get away with the car while the owner is out attempting to unlock it.
Modern cars are equipped with alarms which is a great way to avoid theft. Alarms can be activated with the key fob or the physical key, and they look for any vibrations or movements. If they spot something amiss the alarm will sound, and could flash lights.
Certain alarms can be programmed to only activate in certain situations such as when the air pressure in the vehicle changes. This is intended to deter thieves from breaking windows in order to take the rims. This sensor can react to things completely unrelated like earthquakes, or tracks that pass through a poorly built parking lot.
Another kind of alarm will sound if the car's ignition has been damaged. This is a great feature, but it could be prone to false alarms. This is particularly true if the vehicle is parked in a narrow alley or dark location where pedestrians can accidentally bump into the vehicle.
There are other methods to stop your car from being stolen using keys. This includes tyre locks, steering wheel locks, and a Faraday bag that blocks the signal of the car from the key fob. Reporting the theft as soon as you can to police is vital. They will provide you with the reference number, which can assist in locating the culprits and recover your vehicle. You should also consider obtaining an insurance policy for key care from your insurance company. This will cover the cost of replacing the key fob as well as changing the immobiliser.