Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the last few years in the past few years, a vehicle has been stolen with the keys within every 32 seconds. And this isn't just an opportunistic crime.
This is a growing issue especially for those who own luxury automobiles. Thieves are often in pairs. One person holds a relay amplifier while the other walks with their transmitter in your driveway.
Keys
The positive side is that in general the number of car thefts has decreased in the last year- but the bad news is that vehicles are still being stolen with keys left inside. This type of crime is particularly alarming because it happens in broad daylight, and people don't expect it. People who have lost their keys or had them stolen have to take steps to secure their vehicle.
Examine your purse, pockets and any bags that you might have, particularly when you think they could contain valuables. Sometimes you will discover your keys in places that you didn't think of include, such as in the pockets of your jacket or pants when you ran. If you are unable to locate your keys, look in other places where you might have used them, such as at home or work. This will give you an idea of where they could be hidden.
If you own a newer vehicle, you'll need to contact the dealership or automaker to have replacement keys made. Keys with special chips that must be re-synchronized with the computer in your vehicle. Also, you will need to purchase new barrels for keys that go with the new keys. They can be costly but they are a great investment in the safety of your car.
It is also recommended to contact the police immediately to file an official complaint. This will allow the police to in their investigation and may even help them track down the perpetrator, and it will also help if you have to file an insurance claim. Insurance companies will often require an official police report to pay to replace your keys or other items.
Installing a car tracker or alarm can help to stop your car from being stolen, even if you have the keys. These devices can deter thieves and in some cases, stop them from getting your car started, making it more difficult to steal. Some of these devices can be connected to your phone and send you notifications if they are damaged or moved without permission.
Remotes
When you lock your vehicle by using the key fob, it emits a warning signal to warn potential thieves that the vehicle is secure. This is only the first layer of security.
Thieves are able to capture that signal and use it to unlock the door, start the engine, and drive away. In fact, they could do this on virtually every vehicle with an electronic key or push-to-start ignition.
This method of hacking is known as "code grabbing" or "key-cloning." It involves an electronic device that detects the signal from your key fob and then transmits it to a different device, tricking the car into believing the real digital keys are close. This is a straightforward technique that can be performed by a maintenance person at a gated community. The devices for this type attack are available online or in your local electronics retailer.
Another new method of theft targets the controller area network (CAN) which allows the sensors and control modules of 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 control it while you're driving it on the highway.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that, while the latest advanced, more sophisticated keyless entry systems, which are now the norm in many automobiles, could help reduce this type of crime, they have seen an increase of 20% in the theft of cars where keys and remotes were left in. The NICB recommends locking your vehicle at all times even if you're just warming it up on the driveway or going to get gas or coffee.
Avoid the fads, such as placing your key fob in the freezer check here or microwave to stop the signal. It's not foolproof and it's only a deterrent for the most determined thieves. It's also worth considering getting your car's key fob reprogrammed, particularly if you buy a used one. The majority of auto locksmiths and dealers can perform this task quickly and for a minimal cost. However some experts recommend against it if you plan to sell your vehicle.
Locks
You know how horrible it is to awake in the morning and find your car gone. It's a bit shocking to discover that your vehicle disappeared overnight, particularly 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 the challenge of regaining it!
The technology has evolved and criminals have adapted to the latest methods of securing. Instead of stealing your car's hotwire as you may see in a movie, most thieves now use technology to hack your keyless entry system. This means that thieves can unlock your vehicle and then drive it away.
To do this, a thief can buy a device that captures the signal sent by your car's key fob. The thief then transmits the captured signal to a device that opens your car which allows him to start the car and drive off. This is called a relay attack and criminal gangs are increasingly employing this technique.
The good news is, you can prevent it from happening to you. One option is to have a key lock protector installed, which blocks signals coming from your car's key fob. This is a simple, inexpensive way to safeguard your car against thieves. Another option is to put a tracker on your car, which will help to locate your vehicle if it's stolen.
It's recommended to keep your keys somewhere else than your car and never leave them in the ignition. Contact your insurance company to see if they cover key protection. Some insurers will 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. These can be bought on the internet at a low cost, and they're easily adjustable to fit the majority of automobiles. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles, if you own two cars. There are locks for the pedals that stop a thief from operating the brake or clutch pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are designed to trigger when someone tries to gain entry into your vehicle. They emit a loud cutting sound that frightens the majority of thieves. Many thieves are becoming increasingly technologically adept and are able to quickly turn off alarms. This prevents them from being aware of anything suspicious in their surroundings and allows them to steal the vehicle even though the owner is still trying to unlock it.
Alarms are standard on modern cars, making it an excellent method of preventing theft. Alarms can be activated using the key fob or the physical key, and they check the vehicle for movement or vibrations. If they detect that something is not right they will sound the siren, and then possibly flash the lights.
Some alarms are programmed so that they only trigger in specific situations, such as when the pressure of air changes in the vehicle. This is in order to stop thieves from breaking windows to steal the wheels. However, the sensor may occasionally react to events which are totally unrelated such as earthquakes or train tracks passing by a poorly constructed parking lot.
A particular type of alarm can sound in the event that the ignition of the vehicle has been tampered. This can be a very useful feature, however it can also trigger false alarms. This is true especially in the case of a vehicle that has been parked in a dark alley where passersby could accidently bump into it.
There are a variety of alternatives to safeguard your vehicle from theft with keys, including the use of tyre clamps as well as steering wheel locks and Faraday bags that prevent the signal of the car from the key fob. It is essential to notify the police as soon as possible and they will be able to provide you with an identification number that will help them locate the culprits and retrieve your vehicle. It is also recommended to think about obtaining a key care insurance from your insurance company which will cover the cost of replacing your key fob as well as re-programming the immobiliser.