Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the past few years, a car has been stolen with the keys within every 32 seconds. This is not just an incident of criminality that is opportunistic.
This is a problem that is growing especially for those who own luxury cars. Thieves often work in pairs. One holds an amplifier for relays while the other walks around your driveway with their transmitter device.
Keys
The good news is, 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 is especially threatening because it often happens in broad daylight and when people are not anticipating it. People who have lost their keys or had them stolen have to take action to protect their vehicle.
The first thing to do is check your purse, pockets and any bags you have in your possession, particularly those that might contain valuables. It is possible to find your keys in strange places, like the pockets of your pants or jacket if you've been running. If you're unable to locate your keys, look around other places you've used them, such as in your home or at work. This will give you an idea of where they might be.
If you have a newer vehicle, you'll need to contact your dealer or automaker for replacement keys. The keys are equipped with special chips that must be re-sequenced by the vehicle's computer. It is also necessary to purchase new key barrels to accommodate the new keys. These are expensive however, a investment in your car's safety is worth it.
In addition, you should immediately contact the police to report the incident. This will allow the police to investigate and track down the culprit. 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 as well as other items.
You should also think about installing a car alarm or tracking device to prevent your vehicle from being taken even if you've got keys. These devices will discourage thieves and, in certain cases they can stop them from beginning the car making it more difficult to steal. Some of these devices can be connected to your phone and send you alerts if they are tampered or moved without your permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it emits a signal to warn potential thieves that your vehicle is secured. But that's only the first layer of protection.
The thieves can still capture this signal and use it to open the door, igniting the engine, and then driving away. In fact, they can do this with virtually any vehicle equipped 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 that is able to capture the signal generated by your key fob, and then transmits it to another device, luring the car into thinking that the actual keys are close. This is a hack that can be carried out by a maintenance person at a gated community. The devices that can be used 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 in modern vehicles to communicate with each other. By taking off your headlight and connecting an electronic device to the controller area network (CAN), thieves can gain access to data that unlocks your car, or even take control of your vehicle when you're driving.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that even though the newer advanced, more sophisticated keyless entry systems, now the norm in many automobiles, could help reduce this type crime However, they have witnessed a 20% rise in the number of stolen cars whose keys and remotes were kept inside. The NICB recommends that you always secure your vehicle, even when parked in the driveway to warm it up or when you stop for gas or a coffee.
Beware of the fads that are making the rounds, such as putting your key fob in the freezer or microwave to block its signal. It's not foolproof, and is only a deterrent to the most determined thieves. It's also worth looking into getting your car's key fob resettled, particularly if you buy a used one. Many auto locksmiths and dealers are able to do this quickly and at a low cost, but some experts recommend against this if you plan to sell your vehicle.
Locks
You've experienced how awful it is to wake up in the morning to discover your car has vanished. It can be quite a shock to discover that your car has disappeared overnight, especially in the event that you haven't heard an alarm or observed any indications of intrusion. Fortunately, the worst part is over, but there's still the issue of getting it back!
The technology has evolved and thieves have adapted to the new methods of stealth. In the movies, you might have seen thieves hacking into cars. However, most thieves employ technology to hack keyless entry systems. This means that thieves are able to unlock your vehicle and then drive off.
To accomplish this, a criminal could purchase a device that captures the signal sent by your car's key fob. The thief transmits the captured signal to a device that unlocks your car which allows him to start it and drive away. This is referred to as a relay attack, and it's becoming more frequent for criminal gangs to employ this method.
The good news is that you can take steps to prevent it from happening to you. One option is to have a key lock protector installed, which blocks signals from your car's keys fob. This is a simple and inexpensive way to safeguard your car against thieves. Another option is to install an electronic tracker inside your vehicle, which can help to locate your vehicle in the event that it's stolen.
It's recommended to keep your keys somewhere other than your car and never put them in the ignition. Check with your insurance provider to see if they provide key protection. Some insurers may even provide a replacement in the event that the keys are stolen.
You can also put in a steering wheel lock or brake lock to prevent thieves from driving your car away. These can be bought online for a relatively low cost, and they're easily adjustable to fit the majority of automobiles. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles if you have two vehicles. There are also locks for the pedals that prevent the thief operating the clutch or brake pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are designed to trigger when someone tries to break into your vehicle. They usually make an ear-piercing, loud sound that can frighten thieves and attract attention from anyone in the area. Many thieves are becoming tech-savvy and know how to quickly shut off alarms. This keeps them from being alerted by any suspicious activity within their surroundings and get more info also enables them to steal the vehicle even though the owner is still trying to unlock it.
The majority of modern cars come with an alarm option, and this is a great way to avoid theft. These alarms are activated by the key fob or the actual key. They are able to monitor the vehicle and detect vibrations or movement. If they detect that there is something wrong, they will sound the siren and possibly flash the lights.
Some alarms are programmed so that they only be activated in certain circumstances for instance, when the air pressure changes in the vehicle. This is intended to deter thieves from breaking windows in order to steal the rims. However, this sensor could sometimes react to things that are completely unrelated like earthquakes or train tracks passing through the parking lot that is not well-constructed.
Another type of alarm is one that will activate if the car's ignition has been tampered with. This is a useful feature, however it is also prone to false triggers. This is especially true when the vehicle is parked in a dark alley where people might accidentally bump into it.
There are other methods to protect your vehicle from being stolen by using keys. They include tyre lock and steering wheel locks and a Faraday bag that blocks the signal of the car from the key fob. Making the report as soon as you can to the police is vital. They will give you an identification number that can assist in locating the thieves and retrieve your vehicle. It is also recommended to get a key care policy from your insurance provider. This will cover the cost of replacing the key fob and changing the immobiliser.