Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the last few years, every 32 seconds an automobile with keys inside has been taken. And this isn't just a random crime.
This is a growing problem particularly for owners of luxury automobiles. Thieves usually work in pairs. One is armed with a relay amplifier while the other walks through your driveway using a transmitter device.
Keys
The good news is that, generally speaking, car thefts have dropped in the last year -but the negative is that cars are being stolen with keys inside. This kind of crime is particularly alarming because it often happens in broad daylight and at times when people aren't anticipating it. If you've lost your keys or had them stolen should take steps to protect their vehicles.
Take a look in your purse, pockets and any bags that you might have, particularly in the event that you suspect they contain valuables. Sometimes, you'll discover your keys in places you didn't think of, such as the pockets of your pants or jacket when you ran. If you can't locate your keys, search other places where you might have used them such as at home or work. This will help you to find them.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, you'll need to contact the dealer or automaker to request replacement keys made. They contain special chips that must be re-sequenced with the vehicle's computer. You will also need to purchase the new key barrels that come with the new keys. These can be expensive however they are a great investment in the safety of your car.
In addition, you must immediately contact the police to make a report. This will allow the police to investigate and locate the person who stole your items. It will also help you if you need to file an insurance claim. Insurance companies typically require the police report in order to pay for the replacement of your keys and other things.
You should also think about installing a car alarm or tracking device to prevent your vehicle from being taken even if you've got keys. These devices can deter thieves and in some cases prevent them from beginning your vehicle which makes it harder to steal. Some of these devices are also connected to your mobile and will notify you when they are tampered with or moved without your permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car with the key fob, it emits signals to notify any potential thieves that your vehicle is secured. But that's just the beginning of your security.
The criminals are able to capture this signal and use it to open the door, igniting the engine, and driving away. They can do this with virtually any vehicle that has smart keys or an ignition with a push-to-start feature.
This technique is known as "code grabbing" or "key-cloning." It involves an electronic device which detects the signal from your key fob, and then transmits it to a different device, luring the car into believing that the real digital keys are in close. It's simple enough for a maintenance worker working in a gated community to do as well, and the tools used for this type of attack can be purchased on the internet or at your local electronics store for just about a couple hundred dollars.
Another new method of theft targets the controller area network (CAN), which allows the sensors and control modules found in modern cars to communicate with each other. By disconnecting your headlights and connecting an electronic device to the controller area network (CAN) criminals can steal data that will unlock your car, or even take over control while you are driving.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that, while the latest, more advanced keyless entry systems, now standard in most vehicles, may help to reduce the risk of this type of crime however, they have also seen a 20% rise in the number of stolen cars whose keys and remotes were left in. The NICB recommends locking your car at all times, even if you are just warming it up in the driveway or stopping for coffee or gas.
Avoid the fads, such as placing your key fob in the freezer or in the microwave to block the signal. It's not foolproof and it's only a deterrent to the most determined thieves. It's also worth considering having your vehicle's key fob reprogrammed, especially if you buy a used one. Most dealers and auto locksmiths can do this fast and for a minimal cost. However, some experts advise against it if you plan to sell your vehicle.
Locks
If you've ever woken up in the morning, went out to your car, and then realized it's disappeared, you'll know how horrible it is. Particularly if you haven't heard the alarm sound or noticed any telltale indicators of intrusion, it could appear as if your car vanished overnight. The worst part is that the situation is that you're still required to return your car back.
The technology has evolved and thieves have adapted the latest methods of securing. In the movies, you may have seen thieves hacking into cars. However, most thieves employ technology to hack keyless entry systems. The result is that thieves can unlock your car and then drive off.
A burglar might purchase an online device that can capture the signal from your car key fob. The thief transmits the signal to a device which opens your car, allowing him to start the car and drive away. This is known as a relay attack and it's becoming increasingly common for criminal gangs use this technique.
The good news is that you can take steps to prevent it from happening to you. One option is to get the key lock protector installed, which blocks signals coming from your car's key fob. This is an easy, cheap solution to protect your car against thieves. Another option is to install an electronic tracker inside your car, which helps to locate your vehicle if it is stolen.
You should also ensure that you check with your insurance provider, since some insurers include cover for key protection and could provide a replacement in the event of theft. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to see if they provide keys protection. Some insurers may even offer a replacement if keys are stolen.
You can also put in a brake or steering lock to stop the thief driving away with your car. They can be purchased on the internet at a low cost, and are easily adjustable to suit most cars. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles if you have two cars. There are also locks for the pedals that stop a thief from operating the brake or clutch pedals.
Alarms
The alarms are made to sound when someone is trying to gain entry into your vehicle. They emit a loud, piercing noise that scares off most thieves. However the majority of thieves are becoming more and more technologically adept and know how to shut off most alarms quickly. This prevents them from being alerted to any suspicious activity in their surroundings, and they could also escape with the vehicle while the owner is out attempting to unlock the car.
Most modern cars are built with alarms, and this is a great way to avoid theft. These alarms can be activated with the key fob or the physical key, and will check the vehicle for movement or vibrations. If they discover that something is wrong they will sound the siren and possibly flash the lights.
Certain alarms can be programmed to activate in certain situations for instance, when the pressure inside the vehicle changes. This is to discourage thieves from breaking windows to steal wheels. This sensor can react to things completely unrelated such as earthquakes or tracks that pass through a poorly constructed parking lot.
A particular type of alarm read more can sound in the event that the ignition of the car is tampered with. This can be a very useful feature, however it is also prone to false alarms. This is especially true when the vehicle is parked in a dark alley where people might accidentally hit it.
There are a variety of other methods to protect your vehicle from being stolen with keys, including the use of tyre clamps or steering wheel locks, as well as Faraday bags that stop the car's signal from the key fob. Notifying the theft as quickly as you can to police is crucial. They will give you an identification number that will assist them in locating the culprits and recover your vehicle. It is also advisable to consider getting a key care policy from your insurance provider. This will pay for the replacement cost of the key fob, as well as changing the immobiliser.