Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the past few years, every 32 seconds a car with the keys inside has been taken. This is not just a case of opportunistic criminality.
This is a growing problem particularly for luxury vehicle owners. Thieves are often in pairs. One holds an amplifier for relays while the other trundles through your driveway using a transmitter device.
Keys
The good news is that overall car thefts have decreased over the past year. However, the downside is, cars with keys still get stolen. This type of crime is particularly alarming because it happens in broad daylight, and people don't expect it. Those who have lost their keys or had them stolen, must take precautions to secure their vehicles.
Examine your purse, pockets and any other bags you might have, particularly in the event that you suspect they contain valuables. You may find your keys in unexpected places, like the pockets of your pants or jacket if you've been running. If you can't locate your keys, check other places you could have used them such as at home or work. This will help you to locate them.
If you have a newer vehicle, you'll need contact your dealer or automaker for replacement keys. Keys with special chips that must be re-sequenced to the computer in your vehicle. You'll also need to purchase new barrels for the new keys. They can be costly but they are a great investment in the security of your car.
You should also call the police immediately to file an official complaint. This will enable the police to investigate and locate the thief. It can also assist you if you need to submit an insurance claim. Insurance companies typically require an official police report to cover the cost to replace your keys or other things.
You should also think about installing a car alarm or tracking device to prevent your car from being stolen even if you've got the keys. These devices can deter thieves, and in some cases prevent them from beginning your vehicle, making it more difficult to take it away. Some of these devices are also linked to your phone and can send you alerts when they are altered or moved without your permission.
Remotes
When you lock your vehicle by using the key fob, it emits a warning signal to warn potential thieves that your vehicle is secured. But that's just the beginning of your security.
The criminals can still get this signal and use it to unlock the door, starting the engine, then driving away. In fact, they can do this with virtually any vehicle that has a smart key or push-to start ignition.
This technique is known as "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 the actual digital keys are within. This is a straightforward hack that can be done by a maintenance worker at the gated community. The devices used for this kind of 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 in modern vehicles 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 take over control while you drive.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that, while the latest advanced, more sophisticated keyless entry systems, now the norm in many vehicles, may help to reduce this type crime However, they have witnessed an increase of 20% in the number of stolen cars whose keys and remotes were kept inside. The NICB recommends locking your vehicle at all times even if you're just warming it up in the driveway or making a stop for gas or coffee.
Ignore the fads, like putting your keyfob in the freezer or microwave to stop the signal. It's not foolproof and it's only a deterrent to most determined thieves. It's also worth considering having your remote reset if you buy a second-hand model. The majority of auto locksmiths and dealers can do this quickly and inexpensively, though some experts advise against this if you plan to sell your car.
Locks
If you've ever woken in the morning, walked to your car and then discovered it had disappeared, you know just how awful it feels. Especially when you haven't heard your alarm go off or observed any signs of intrusion, it could appear as if your car disappeared overnight. Fortunately, the most difficult part is over, but there's still the challenge of getting it back!
The technology has advanced and thieves have adapted the latest methods of securing. Instead of stealing your car's hotwire as you've seen in a movie, most thieves are now using technology to hack your keyless entry system. This means that thieves are able to unlock your vehicle and drive it off.
A burglar could buy an online device that can capture the signal from your car's key fob. The thief will then transmit the signal he has captured to a device that unlocks your vehicle and allows him to start it and drive away. This is known as an attack on relays and criminal gangs are increasingly using this technique.
You can prevent this from occurring. One way is to get a key lock protector installed, which blocks signals from your car's key fob. This is a low-cost, easy solution that can help you car stolen with keys inside insurance protect your car from thieves. Another option is to install a tracker on your car, which will help to locate your vehicle if it's stolen.
It's also a good idea to keep your keys somewhere else than in your car, and never leave keys in the ignition. You should also make sure that you consult with your insurance company, as some insurers include cover for key protection and may offer an replacement in the event of theft.
You can also put in an engine lock or brake lock to avoid thieves from stealing your car. These can be bought online for a relatively low cost, and are easily adjusted to fit most cars. If you have a couple of cars wheel lock is able to be used in both vehicles. There are also locks for the pedals that can stop a thief from operating the clutch or brake pedals.
Alarms
The alarms are made so that they will sound when someone attempts to gain entry into your vehicle. They emit a loud piercing noise that scares off the majority of thieves. Many thieves are becoming technologically proficient and know how to quickly shut off alarms. This prevents them from being alerted to any suspicious activity around them, and they may also escape with the car while the owner is out attempting to unlock the car.
Alarms are standard on modern vehicles, and are an excellent method of preventing theft. Alarms can be activated with the key fob, or even the physical key, and will check the vehicle for vibrations or movements. If they detect something wrong, the alarm will sound and may flash lights.
Some alarms are programmed so that they only activate in certain situations, such as when the air pressure changes in the vehicle. This is to discourage thieves from breaking windows to steal the wheels. This sensor can react to events that are not related, like earthquakes, or train tracks passing through a poorly constructed parking lot.
A particular type of alarm can sound if the ignition of the car has been altered. This is a useful feature, however it also has the potential for false triggers. This is particularly true if the vehicle is parked in a narrow alley or a dark area where people might accidentally hit the vehicle.
There are other options to stop your car from being stolen using keys. This includes tyre locks, steering wheel locks, and the Faraday bag, which blocks the signal of the car from the key fob. It is essential to notify the police as soon as you can, as they can provide you with a crime reference number that can help them locate the culprits and retrieve your vehicle. You should also consider obtaining an insurance policy for key care from your insurance provider. It will cover the cost of replacing the key fob as well as changing the immobiliser.