Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the last few years the last few years, a car was stolen with keys inside every 32 seconds. This isn't just a random crime.
This is a problem that is growing, especially for owners of luxury automobiles. The thieves usually operate in pairs. One is armed with a relay amplifier while the other is walking around your driveway with their transmitter device.
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 cars are still being stolen with keys left inside. This type of crime is especially alarming because it happens in broad daylight, when people don't expect it. People who have lost their keys or had them stolen must to take steps to secure their vehicle.
Check your pockets, purse and any bags that you may have, especially when you think they could contain valuables. Sometimes you will find your keys in places you didn't expect to be, like the pockets of your pants or jacket when you ran. If you are unable to locate your keys, look in other places you could have used them such as at work or home. This will assist you to find them.
If you have a newer vehicle, you'll need contact your dealer or automaker for replacement keys. The keys are equipped with special chips that have to be re-sequenced with the vehicle's computer. You'll also have to purchase the new key barrels that come with the new keys. They can be costly, but they are an investment in the safety of your vehicle.
Additionally, you should immediately contact the police to file a report. This will allow the police to in their investigation and may even help them track down the thief as well as help if you have to file an insurance claim. Insurance companies typically require the police report to cover the cost for the replacement of your keys or other items.
You should also think about installing a car alarm or tracking device to stop your vehicle from being taken even if you've got keys. These devices can deter thieves, and in some cases prevent them from getting your car started, making it more difficult to take it away. Some of these devices can be connected to your smartphone and send you alerts when they are altered or moved without your permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car with the key fob, it sends an alarm to alert anyone who might steal your car that the vehicle is secured. But that's just the first layer of security.
The thieves can still capture this signal and use it to open the door, starting the engine, and 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 is the use of an electronic device that records the signal being sent from your key fob, and then transmits it to a different device that tricks the car into thinking the real digital key is nearby. It's not difficult for a maintenance worker working in an area with a gated security system to carry out as well, and the tools used in this type of attack are available from the internet or in your local electronics store for just several hundred dollars.
A new method of theft is targeting controller area networks (CAN), a network that allows sensors and control modules to communicate with modern automobiles. By taking off your headlight and connecting an electronic device to the controller area network (CAN), thieves can steal data that will unlock your car, or take control of your vehicle while you are driving.
While the newer, more sophisticated keyless entry systems that are now the norm on a lot of vehicles may help reduce this type of crime however, the National Insurance Crime Bureau has seen a 20% increase in thefts of cars with keys and remotes left inside. The NICB recommends 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 be fooled by the fads and scams that are making the rounds, such as placing your key fob in the microwave or freezer to block its signal. It's not foolproof, and is only a deterrent for the most determined thieves. It's also worth considering having your car's key fob reprogrammed, particularly if you buy a used one. Many auto locksmiths and dealers are able to do this quickly and cheaply, although some experts suggest against doing this in the event of selling your vehicle.
Locks
You know how horrible it is to awake in the morning to discover your car has vanished. It can be a shock to find out that your car disappeared overnight, particularly in the event that you haven't heard an alarm or noticed any signs of intrusion. The worst part of the situation is over but you're still required to return your car back.
As technology has improved, thieves have adapted their methods of securing. In the movies, you might have seen thieves wiring cars. However, most thieves employ technology to hack keyless entry systems. This means that thieves are able to unlock your car and drive it off.
A burglar might purchase an online device that can capture the signal from your car key fob. They then transmit that captured signal to another device that opens your car, allowing them to start and drive away. This is called an attack on relays and criminal gangs are increasingly employing this technique.
You can prevent this from happening. One option is to get the key lock protector installed, which blocks signals coming from your car's key fob. This is a low-cost, easy solution that can aid in protecting your vehicle from 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 also a good idea to keep your keys somewhere else than your car and never put them in the ignition. 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 pay for a replacement in the case of theft.
You can also put in a brake or steering wheel lock to stop a burglar from driving your car away. They can be purchased on the internet at a low cost, and are easily adjustable to fit the majority of automobiles. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles if you have two cars. There are also locks for the pedals that protect the person who is operating the brake or clutch pedals.
Alarms
The alarms are designed so that they will sound when someone tries to break into your car. They typically emit the sound of a loud, piercing ring that can frighten criminals and draw the attention of anyone in the area. However the majority of check here thieves are becoming more and more technologically adept and know how to shut off alarms swiftly. This can prevent them from being alerted to any suspicious activity in their surroundings. In addition, they may also escape with the vehicle while the owner is out attempting to unlock it.
Alarms are present on the majority of modern cars, which is an excellent way to prevent theft. Alarms are activated by the key fob, or the physical key. They monitor the vehicle and detect movement or vibrations. If they detect something wrong the alarm will sound and may flash lights.
Some alarms can be programmed to activate in certain situations for instance, 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 events that are completely unrelated, like earthquakes, or tracks of trains passing through a poorly constructed parking lot.
Another type of alarm will activate if the car's ignition has been damaged. This is a useful feature, however it can also trigger false triggers. This is especially true when the vehicle is parked in an alley or dark location where pedestrians might accidentally hit the vehicle.
There are several other methods to protect your vehicle from being stolen by keys, such as the use of tyre clamps or steering wheel locks, as well as Faraday bags that block the signal of the car from the key fob. Reporting the theft as soon as you can to the police is vital. They will provide you with a reference number which can assist in locating the thieves and return your vehicle. You should also consider obtaining a key care policy from your insurance provider. It will pay for the replacement of the key fob, as well as changing the immobiliser.