Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the last few years, every 32 seconds the car with keys inside has been stolen. This is not an incident of criminality that is opportunistic.
This is a growing problem especially for those who own luxurious automobiles. Thieves are often in pairs. One holds a relay amplifier while the other is walking through your driveway using a transmitter device.
Keys
The good news is that, in general, car thefts have dropped over the past year -however, the downside is that cars are still being stolen with keys left inside. This kind of crime is especially threatening because it usually occurs in the daylight hours and when people are not expecting it. Anyone who has lost their keys or had them stolen need to take action to protect their vehicle.
The first thing to do is check your purse, pockets and other bags around you, particularly those that could contain valuables. Sometimes you'll discover your keys in places you didn't expect to be, like the pockets of your jacket or pants if you went running. If you are unable to locate your keys, look in other places where you might have used them like at home or work. This will give you a better idea of where they might be hidden.
If you have a newer vehicle, you'll have to contact the dealership or automaker to get replacement keys made. The keys are equipped with special chips that need to be re-sequenced with the car's computer. You will also have to purchase new barrels for the new keys. They are expensive however they are a great investment in the security of your car.
In addition, you must immediately contact the police to make a report. This will allow police to investigate and locate the person who stole your items. It will also assist you if you need to make an insurance claim. Insurance companies usually require an official police report to pay to replace your keys or other items.
Installing a car tracking device or alarm can help to keep your vehicle from being stolen, even if own the keys. These devices can deter thieves, and in some cases prevent them from starting your car making it harder to steal. Some of these devices can be linked to your smartphone and will send you alerts when they are tampered or moved without permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it sends signals to notify anyone who might steal your car that the vehicle is secured. But that is just the beginning of many layers of security.
The thieves can still capture this signal and use it to open the door, starting the engine, and driving away. In fact, they could accomplish this on any vehicle that has an electronic key or push-to-start ignition.
This hack is called "code grabbing" or "key-cloning." It is a method of electronic devices that is able to capture the signal generated by your key fob, and then transmits it on to another device, luring the car into believing that the actual keys are within. This is a technique that can be performed by a maintenance person at a gated community. The devices that can be used for this type attack are available online or in your local electronics retailer.
Another method of theft targets the controller area network (CAN), which allows the sensors and control modules of modern cars to communicate with each other. By removing 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 over control when you're driving.
While the more sophisticated keyless entry systems that are becoming commonplace on many vehicles could aid in reducing this type of crime, the National Insurance Crime Bureau has seen a 20% increase in thefts from cars with remotes and keys inside. The NICB recommends locking your vehicle at all times, even if you are just warming it up in the driveway or going to get gas or coffee.
And ignore those fads that are trending, such as placing your key fob inside the microwave or freezer to block its signal. It's not foolproof and it's only a deterrent for the most determined thieves. It's also worth considering having your vehicle's key fob resettled, particularly if you buy a used one. The majority of dealers and auto locksmiths can do this fast and for a minimal cost. However certain experts advise against it if you intend to sell your car.
Locks
If you've ever woken in the morning, headed out to your car, and then discovered it had disappeared, you know just how horrible it is. It can be a shock to discover that your vehicle disappeared overnight, particularly when you haven't heard the alarm or noticed any indications of intrusion. The worst part is that the situation is that you're still required to return your car back.
The technology has changed and thieves have adapted the latest methods of securing. Instead of hotwiring your car, which is something you've seen in a film, the majority of thieves now use technology to hack your keyless entry system. The result is that thieves can unlock your car and drive it off.
A burglar might purchase an online device that captures the signal from your car key fob. The thief will then transmit the signal to a device that unlocks your vehicle and allows him to start it and drive off. This is referred to as a relay attack and it's becoming increasingly frequent for criminal gangs to utilize this technique.
The good news is that you can take steps to prevent it from happening to you. Installing the key lock protector, that blocks the signals from your car's key fob, is one way to prevent this. This is a low-cost and simple solution that will help protect your vehicle from thieves. Another option is to install a tracker on your car, which will help to locate your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
It's also a good idea to keep your keys somewhere other than in your car, and never put keys in the ignition. Contact your insurance company to determine if they offer keys protection. Some insurers may even pay for a replacement if keys are stolen.
You can also install an engine lock or brake lock to stop thieves from stealing your car. These can be bought on the internet for a reasonable cost, and they're easily adjustable to fit the majority of automobiles. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles if you have two cars. There are locks for the pedals which can prevent the thief operating the brake or clutch pedals.
Alarms
The alarms are made so that they will sound when someone tries to break into your car. They make a loud, piercing noise that scares off the majority of thieves. Many thieves are becoming increasingly technologically adept and are able to shut off alarms quickly. This can prevent them from being alerted to any suspicious activity around them, and they can also get away by stealing the vehicle even though the owner is outside attempting to unlock the car.
Modern cars are equipped with alarms which is a great way to stop theft. Alarms are activated through the key fob or the physical key. They are able to monitor the vehicle and detect any movement or vibrations. If they discover that something is wrong, they will sound the siren and may flash the lights.
Some alarms are programmed to only trigger in specific situations for instance, when the pressure of air changes in the vehicle. This is intended to deter thieves from breaking windows to steal the rims. However, this sensor could sometimes react to things that are not related, such as earth quakes or train tracks passing through a poorly constructed parking lot.
One type of alarm will sound if the ignition of the vehicle has been altered. This is a great feature, but it could be susceptible to false alarms. This is true especially when the vehicle is placed in a dark area where people might accidentally hit it.
There are a variety of other ways to protect your vehicle from being stolen using keys, such as the use of tyre clamps, steering wheel locks and Faraday bags, which prevent the car's signal from the key fob. Reporting the theft as soon as you can to police is essential. They will provide you with a reference number which will help them find the thieves and return your vehicle. It is also an read more excellent idea to consider obtaining a key care coverage from your insurance company which will cover the cost of replacing the key fob and programming the immobiliser.