Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the past few years every 32 seconds, an automobile with keys inside has been stolen. This isn't just a case of opportunistic criminality.
This is a growing problem especially for luxury car owners. The thieves often operate in pairs. One is armed with an amplifier for relays while the other walks around your driveway with a transmitter device.
Keys
The positive side is that generally speaking car thefts have decreased in the last year -but the negative is that cars are still being taken with keys left inside. This type of crime is particularly troubling because it occurs in broad daylight, and people don't expect it. Anyone who has lost their keys or had them stolen must to take precautions to safeguard their vehicle.
Examine your purse, pockets and any bags that you might have, particularly if you think they might contain valuables. Sometimes you will discover keys in places you didn't think of, such as the pockets of your jacket or pants when you ran. If you can't find your keys, check other places you've used them, such as at home or at work. This will help you locate them.
If you own a newer vehicle, you'll have to contact your dealer or automaker for replacement keys. The keys are equipped with special chips that must be re-sequenced with the vehicle's computer. You will also have to purchase new barrels to accommodate the new keys. These are expensive but a small investment in the safety of your car is worth it.
You should also call the police immediately to make a report. This will enable police to investigate and locate the culprit. It will also help you if you want to submit an insurance claim. Insurance companies usually require the police report to pay for the replacement of your keys or other things.
Installing a car tracker or alarm can help keep your vehicle from being taken away, even if you have the keys. These devices will stop thieves from entering your car and, in certain cases they will stop them from getting the car started which makes it more difficult to steal. Some of these devices are connected to your mobile and can send you alerts when they are altered or moved without your consent.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it emits an alarm to alert a potential thief that the vehicle is secure. However, that's only the beginning of many layers of security.
The criminals can still get this signal and use it to open the door, starting the engine, then driving away. In fact, they can accomplish this on every vehicle with a smart key or push-to-start ignition.
It's a straightforward hack known as code grabbing, or "key cloning" which is a device that detects the signal being sent from your key fob, then transmits it to a different device that tricked the car into thinking the genuine digital key is close by. This is a hack that can be done by a maintenance worker in an area with a gated. The devices for this type of attack are readily available online or at your local electronics retailer.
Another new method of theft is to target the controller area network (CAN), which allows the sensors and control modules found in modern vehicles to communicate with one another. By removing your headlight and connecting an electronic device to the controller area network (CAN), thieves can access data that can unlock your car, or take over control while you drive.
While the newer, more sophisticated keyless entry systems that are now standard on most vehicles may help reduce this type of crime however, the National Insurance Crime Bureau has witnessed a 20 percent increase in thefts of cars with keys and remotes left inside. The NICB recommends that you secure your vehicle even when you park it in the driveway to warm it up, or while you are stopping for coffee or gas.
Ignore the fads, like placing your keyfob in a freezer or in the microwave to block the signal. It's not foolproof, and is only a deterrent to the most determined thieves. It's also worth considering having your vehicle's remote reprogrammed if you purchase a used model. The majority of auto locksmiths and dealers can do this quickly, and at a cost that is affordable. However some experts recommend against it if you plan to sell your car.
Locks
If you've ever woken up in the morning, went out to the car and then found it has disappeared, you're aware of how awful it feels. Especially when you haven't heard your alarm go off, or observed any signs of intrusion, it may feel like your car just vanished overnight. Fortunately, the worst part is over, but there's still the challenge of regaining it!
The technology has advanced and thieves have adapted the new methods of stealing. Instead of stealing your car's hotwire as you may see in a film, the majority of thieves now use technology to hack your keyless entry system. The result is that thieves are able to unlock your car and take it away.
A thief could purchase an online device that captures the signal from your key fob. The thief then transmits the captured signal to a device that unlocks your car which allows the vehicle to start and drive off. This is referred to as relay attacks and criminal gangs are more and more using this technique.
You can stop this from occurring. One way is to get the key lock protector installed, which blocks signals from your car's keys fob. This is a low-cost, easy solution that can aid in protecting your car from thieves. Another option is to install a tracker on your car, which helps to locate your car if it is stolen.
You should also make sure that you inquire with your insurance provider, as some insurers include cover for key protection and may pay for replacements in the case of theft. Check with your insurance provider to see if they provide keys protection. Some insurers will provide a replacement in the event that keys are stolen.
You can also put in an engine lock or brake lock to avoid the thief driving away with your check here vehicle. On the internet, you can purchase these locks for a reasonable cost and are easily adjusted to fit all automobiles. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles if you have two cars. There are even locks for the pedals that can stop a thief from operating the clutch and brake pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are designed to trigger when someone tries to break into your vehicle. They emit a loud, cutting sound that frightens most thieves. However there are many thieves who are becoming more and more technologically sophisticated, and they know how to shut off most alarms quickly. This prevents them from being alerted by any suspicious activity in their environment, and it also allows them to steal the vehicle even though the owner is still trying to unlock it.
Alarms are present on the majority of modern cars, which is an excellent way to prevent theft. These alarms are activated by the key fob, or the actual key. They monitor the vehicle and detect vibrations or movement. If they spot something amiss the alarm will sound and may flash lights.
Certain alarms can be programmed to activate in certain circumstances for instance, when the pressure of air in the vehicle changes. This is to discourage thieves from breaking the windows to steal the rims. However, this sensor could sometimes react to things which are totally unrelated, such as earth quakes or train tracks passing by an unconstructed parking lot.
One type of alarm will sound if the ignition of the car has been tampered. This is a great feature, but can also be susceptible to false triggers. This is particularly true if the vehicle is parked in an alleyway or a dark area where people can accidentally bump into the vehicle.
There are other methods to protect your vehicle from being stolen using keys. This includes tyre locks as well as 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 thieves and return your vehicle. It is also recommended to get a key care policy from your insurance provider. This will pay for the replacement cost of the key fob as well as programming the immobiliser.