Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside

In the past few years the last few years, a car was stolen with keys within every 32 seconds. This is not just an incident of criminality that is opportunistic.

This is a growing problem, especially for owners of high-end cars. Thieves usually work in pairs. One person holds an amplifier relay while the other carries their transmitter through your driveway.

Keys

The positive side is that generally speaking, car thefts have dropped in the last year -however, the downside is that cars are being taken with keys left inside. This kind of crime is particularly alarming because it happens in broad daylight, when people aren't expecting it. Anyone who has lost their keys or had them stolen have to take precautions to safeguard their vehicle.

Take a look in your purse, pockets and any bags that you may have, especially in the event that you suspect they contain valuables. Sometimes you'll discover your keys in places you didn't expect to include, such as in the pockets of your pants or jacket in case you went for a run. If you can't locate your keys, check other places you may have used them like at home or work. This will give you a better idea of where they could be hiding.

If you own a brand new vehicle, you'll have to contact your automaker or dealer to request replacement keys. The keys are equipped with special chips that must be re-sequenced with the car's computer. It is also necessary to purchase new barrels to accommodate the new keys. They are expensive however they are an investment in the security of your car.

You should also contact the police immediately to file a complaint. This will allow police to investigate and track down the thief. It will also help you in the event that you need to make an insurance claim. Insurance companies usually require the police report to pay to replace your keys or other things.

Installing a vehicle tracking device or alarm could help prevent your vehicle being taken away, 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 are linked to your phone and can send you alerts when they are tampered with or moved without your permission.

Remotes

When you lock your car using the key fob, it emits a signal to warn a potential thief that the vehicle is secure. This is only the beginning of your security.

The thieves can still capture this signal and use it to open the door, starting the engine, then driving away. They can do this with almost any vehicle that has smart keys or an ignition that is push-to-start.

It's a straightforward hack known as code grabbing, or "key cloning" which involves an electronic device that detects the signal that is sent from your key fob, then transmits it to a different device that tricked the car into thinking the genuine digital key is nearby. This is a hack that can be carried out by a maintenance worker at a gated community. The devices that can be used for this type of attack are readily available online or at your local electronics store.

A new method of theft is targeting controller area networks (CAN), a network that allows sensors and control modules to communicate in modern cars. By disconnecting the headlight and connecting the device to the CAN, thieves can take the information needed to unlock your car, or even control it while you're driving it along the highway.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that, while the latest and more sophisticated keyless entry systems, which are now common in all vehicles, may help to reduce this type crime however, they have also seen a 20% rise in thefts of cars where keys and remotes were left in. The NICB recommends locking your vehicle at all times, even if you are just warming it up on the driveway or going to get gas or coffee.

And ignore those fads that are trending for example, putting your key fob in the freezer or microwave to hinder its signal. It's not foolproof, and is only a deterrent to the most determined thieves. It's also worth looking into having your car's key fob resettled, particularly in the event that you purchase a used one. Many auto locksmiths and dealers can do this fast and cheaply, although some experts recommend against doing this when you are planning to sell your vehicle.

Locks

If you've ever woken in the morning, headed to your car and then found it has disappeared, you're aware of how terrible it feels. It can be quite a shock to find out that your car has disappeared overnight, especially when you haven't heard the alarm or seen any signs of intrusion. The worst part is that the situation is over but you still have to get your car back.

The technology has changed and thieves have adapted the new methods of stealth. In the movies, you may have seen thieves hacking into cars. However, the majority of thieves use technology to hack keyless entry systems. This means that thieves can gain access to your vehicle and then drive it away.

A burglar could buy an online device that can capture the signal from your key fob. They then transmit that captured signal to a different device that can open your vehicle, allowing them to start and drive it away. This is referred to a relay attack and it's becoming more frequent for criminal gangs to use this technique.

It is possible to stop this from happening. One way is to get an extra key lock installed, which blocks signals from here your car's key fob. This is a simple and affordable way to guard 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 is also recommended that you inquire with your insurance provider, since some insurers include cover for key protection and could pay for a replacement in the event of theft. You should also make sure that you check with your insurance provider because some insurance companies offer insurance that covers keys protection and may even offer an replacement in the event of theft.

You can also install a steering wheel lock or brake lock to prevent thieves from driving your car away. Online, you can buy these at a bargain cost and are easily adjustable to fit the majority of cars. If you have a couple of cars the wheel lock can be used in both vehicles. There are locks that can be fitted to the pedals, which could stop a thief from operating the brake and clutch pedals.

Alarms

The alarms are designed to sound when someone tries to break into your car. They make a loud, piercing noise that scares off most thieves. Many thieves are becoming increasingly technologically adept and are able to shut off alarms quickly. This could prevent them from being alerted to any suspicious activity around them, and they could also escape by stealing the vehicle even though the owner is outside attempting to unlock it.

Alarms are present on the majority of modern vehicles, and are an excellent method of preventing theft. Alarms can be activated with the key fob or physical key, and they will look for any movement or vibrations. If they spot something amiss, the alarm will sound and may flash lights.

Some alarms are programmed to only trigger in specific situations like when the pressure of air changes in the vehicle. This is intended to deter thieves from breaking the windows to take the rims. However, this sensor can occasionally react to events that are completely unrelated such as earthquakes or train tracks passing through the parking lot that is not well-constructed.

One type of alarm will sound when the ignition of the vehicle is tampered with. This is a useful feature, however it can also trigger false triggers. This is true especially if the vehicle has been parked in a dark alley where people might accidently bump into it.

There are other ways to protect your vehicle from being stolen by using keys. These include tyre locks as well as steering wheel locks and Faraday bag, which blocks the signal from the car to the key fob. It is essential to notify the police as soon as you can, as they will be able to provide you with a crime reference number that can assist them to track down the thieves and retrieve your vehicle. It is also recommended to get an insurance policy for key care from your insurance provider. It will cover the cost of replacing the key fob as well as programming the immobiliser.