Why Car Stolen With Keys Is More Difficult Than You Imagine
Why Car Stolen With Keys Is More Difficult Than You Imagine
Blog Article
Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the past few years, every 32 seconds a car with the keys inside has been robbed. And this isn't just an opportunistic crime.
This is a problem that is growing, particularly for luxury car owners. Thieves are often in pairs. One holds a relay amplifier while the other walks around your driveway with their transmitter device.
Keys
The good news is that overall car thefts have decreased over the last year. However, the downside is that keys-cars are still stolen. This kind of crime is especially troubling because it occurs in broad daylight, when people aren't aware of it. People who have lost their keys or had them stolen must to take steps to secure their vehicle.
Take a look in your purse, pockets and any bags that you might have, particularly when you think they could contain valuables. Sometimes you'll discover keys in places you didn't anticipate, such as the pockets of your pants or jacket when you ran. If you are unable to locate your keys, look in other places you may have used them, such as at home or work. This will give you a better idea of where they might be hiding.
If you own a newer vehicle, you'll need contact your dealership or automaker for replacement keys. These keys have special chips that have to be re-sequenced to the computer in your vehicle. It is also necessary to purchase new barrels for the new keys. They can be costly, but they are an investment in the safety of your vehicle.
Additionally, you should call the police right away to file a report. This will assist the police investigate and possibly track down the perpetrator as well as assist you if you need to file an insurance claim. The majority of insurance companies require an official police report to pay for the replacement of your keys as well as other things.
It is also recommended to install a car alarm or tracking device to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen even if you own keys. These devices stop thieves from entering your car and, in some instances, prevent them from starting the car, making it harder to steal. Some of these devices are connected to your phone and can notify you when they're altered or moved without your permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car with the key fob, it emits a signal to warn any potential thieves that your vehicle is secure. But that's just the first layer of security.
Thieves could still intercept that signal and use it to open the door, start the engine, and then drive away. In fact, they can do this on virtually any vehicle that has a smart key or push-to-start ignition.
It's a simple hack called code grabbing or "key cloning" which is the use of an electronic device that detects the signal sent by your key fob, then transmits it to another device that fools the car into thinking that the actual digital key is close by. This is a straightforward hack that can be done by a maintenance person at an area with a gated. The devices for this type of attack are readily available online or at your local electronics retailer.
Another method of theft is to target the controller area network (CAN), which allows the sensors and control modules in modern cars to communicate with one another. By removing the headlight and connecting a device to the CAN, thieves can get the information needed to unlock your car or even take over it while you drive down the highway.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that, while the latest advanced, more sophisticated keyless entry systems, which are now standard in most automobiles, can help reduce this type crime however, they have also seen a 20% rise in thefts of cars where keys and remotes were kept inside. The NICB recommends locking your vehicle at all times, even if you are just warming it up on the driveway or stopping for coffee or gas.
Don't fall for the hype, such as putting your keyfob in the freezer or in the microwave to stop the signal. It is not foolproof, and only works to deter the most determined of thieves. You should also consider having your remote reset if you purchase a used model. Most dealers and auto locksmiths can do this fast and inexpensively, though some experts advise against it if you plan to sell your car.
Locks
If you've ever woken in the morning, headed to your car and then found it has disappeared, you know just how horrible it is. Particularly when you don't hear your alarm go off or noticed any telltale indicators of intrusion, it could feel like your car just vanished overnight. The worst part is that the situation is over but you still have to get your car back.
The technology has advanced and criminals have adapted to the new methods of stealing. Instead of hotwiring your car, which is something you might see in a movie, thieves are now using technology to hack your keyless entry system. The result is that thieves can unlock your car and take it away.
A burglar might purchase an online device that records the signal from your car key fob. They then transmit the captured signal to another device that can open your car, allowing them start the car and drive it away. This is known as a relay attack, and it's becoming more frequent for criminal gangs to use this technique.
The good news is that you can take steps to prevent it from happening to you. Installing a key lock protector, which blocks the signals from your car key fob is a way to prevent this. This is a cheap, easy solution that can aid in protecting your vehicle from thieves. Installing a tracker to your car is another option. It helps you locate your car in the event that it's stolen.
You should also make sure that you inquire with your insurance provider, as certain insurers offer coverage for key protection and could provide replacements in the case of theft. Contact your insurance company to determine if they offer key protection. Some insurers may even pay for a replacement if keys are stolen.
You can also put in a steering lock or brake lock to stop thieves from stealing your car. Online, you can buy these at a bargain cost and they're easily adjusted to fit all automobiles. If you're a two-car household, a wheel lock can be used in both vehicles. There are locks for the pedals, which can prevent thieves from operating the clutch and brake pedals.
Alarms
The alarms are made so that they will sound when someone tries to break into your car. They typically emit an ear-piercing, loud sound that can frighten criminals and draw the attention of anyone who happens to be in the vicinity. Many thieves are becoming increasingly tech-savvy and know how to shut off alarms quickly. This keeps them from being alerted by anything suspicious in their environment and allows them to get away with the vehicle even though the owner is still trying to unlock it.
Most modern cars are built with an alarm option which is a great method to stop theft. These alarms are activated by the key fob, or the physical key. They monitor the vehicle and detect vibrations or movement. If they discover that something is wrong they will sound the siren and possibly flash the lights.
Some alarms are programmed to only trigger in specific situations like when the air pressure changes in the vehicle. This is in order to stop thieves from breaking windows to steal wheels. The sensor can respond to events that are not related, like earthquakes, or tracks that pass through a poorly constructed parking lot.
Another type of alarm is one that will activate if the car's ignition has been tampered with. This is a useful feature, but it can also trigger false triggers. This more info is particularly true in the case of a vehicle that has been placed in a dark area where people might accidentally bump into it.
There are other options to stop your car from being taken away using keys. They include tyre lock as well as steering wheel locks and Faraday bag, which blocks the signal from the car to the key fob. Notifying the theft as quickly as you can to police is crucial. They will give you the reference number, which will help them find the culprits and recover your vehicle. It is also advisable to consider getting the key care plan from your insurance company. This will pay for the replacement cost of the key fob and programming the immobiliser.