What Experts From The Field Want You To Know?
What Experts From The Field Want You To Know?
Blog Article
Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the past few years the last few years, a car was stolen with the keys inside every 32 seconds. This isn't an isolated incident.
This is a growing problem especially for those who own luxury cars. Thieves are often in pairs. One person holds an amplifier relay while the other carries their transmitter through your driveway.
Keys
The good news is that, in general the number of car thefts has decreased in the last yearbut the negative is that cars are being taken with keys left inside. This kind of crime is especially troubling because it occurs in the open, when people aren't expecting 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 own, especially if you think they might contain valuables. Sometimes, you'll find keys in places you didn't think of, such as the pockets of your jacket or pants when you ran. If you are unable to locate your keys, look around other places that you have used them, like in your home or at work. This will give you a better idea of where they could be hidden.
If you own a newer vehicle, you'll have to contact your automaker or dealer for replacement keys. The keys are equipped with special chips that have to be re-synchronized with the car's computer. You'll also need to purchase new key barrels to accommodate the new keys. They can be costly, but they are a good investment in the safety of your car.
In addition, you must call the police right away to file a report. This will allow the police to in their investigation and may even help them track down the culprit and will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim. Insurance companies will often require a police report in order to pay to replace your keys or other things.
Installing a vehicle tracking device or alarm could help keep your vehicle from being taken away, even if you own the keys. These devices can deter thieves and, in certain cases they will stop them from starting the car making it more difficult to take it away. Some of these devices can be linked to your smartphone and will send you alerts if they are damaged or moved without your permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it emits signals to notify a potential thief that the vehicle is secure. But that is just one of the many layers of security.
The criminals can still get this signal and use it for unlocking the door, starting the engine, and then driving away. In fact, they can accomplish this on every vehicle with a smart key or push-to start ignition.
This technique is known as "code grabbing" or "key-cloning." It involves an electronic device which captures the signal sent by your key fob and then transmits it on to another device, luring the car into thinking that the actual keys are in close. It's easy enough for a maintenance worker in a gated community to do as well, and the tools used for this type of attack are available on the internet or at your local electronics store for only about a couple hundred dollars.
A new method of theft targets controller area networks (CAN) which is a network that allows sensors and control modules to communicate in modern vehicles. By taking off your headlight and connecting an electronic device to the controller area network (CAN) criminals can steal data that will unlock your car, or take control of your vehicle while you are driving.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that, while the latest, more advanced keyless entry systems, which are becoming the norm in many automobiles, can help reduce this type of crime However, they have witnessed an increase of 20% in the theft of cars where keys and remotes were left in. The NICB suggests locking your vehicle at all times, even if you are just warming it up on the driveway or stopping for coffee or gas.
Avoid the fads, such as placing your keyfob in a freezer or in the microwave to block the signal. It is not foolproof, and only works to deter the most determined of thieves. It is also advisable to have your remote reset if you purchase a used model. Most dealers and auto locksmiths are able to do this quickly and inexpensively, though some experts advise against doing this when you are planning to sell your car.
Locks
You know how horrible it is to wake up in the morning and discover that your car is gone. Particularly if you haven't heard your alarm go off, or noticed any telltale signs of intrusion, it may feel like your car just disappeared overnight. Fortunately, the worst part is over, but there's the problem of regaining it!
As technology has improved, thieves have adapted their methods of deception. Instead of hotwiring your car, which is something you might see in a movie, most thieves now use technology to hack your keyless entry system. The result is that thieves can unlock your vehicle and then drive off.
A thief could purchase an online device that can capture the signal from your car key fob. The thief transmits the signal he has captured to a device which opens your car and allows him to start it and drive away. This is known as relay attacks and criminal gangs are increasingly employing this technique.
The good news is that you can take steps to prevent it from happening to you. Installing a key lock protector that blocks the signals from your car's key fob, is a way to avoid this. This is a simple and inexpensive way to safeguard your vehicle from thieves. Another option is to install an electronic tracker inside your car, which helps to locate your vehicle in the event that it's stolen.
It's also a good idea to keep your keys somewhere other than your car and never leave them in the ignition. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to see if they provide keys protection. Some insurers will provide a replacement in the event that the keys are stolen.
You can also put in a steering lock or brake lock to avoid the theft of your car. Online, you can buy these at a bargain cost and are easily adjustable to fit the majority of cars. If you're a family with two cars, a wheel lock can be used on both cars. There are locks for the pedals which can prevent the thief operating the brake or clutch pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are designed to trigger when someone attempts to gain entry into your vehicle. They make a loud, sharp sound that frightens the majority of thieves. Many thieves are becoming technologically proficient and know how to quickly shut off alarms. This means they are not alerted by any suspicious activity in their environment and also enables them to escape with the vehicle even though the owner is trying to unlock it.
Modern cars are equipped with alarms which is a great way to stop theft. Alarms are activated by the key fob, or the physical key. They monitor the vehicle and detect movement or vibrations. If they detect that something is wrong, they will sound the siren and possibly flash the lights.
Some alarms are programmed so that they only be activated here in certain circumstances like when the air pressure changes in the vehicle. This is designed to prevent thieves from breaking the windows to steal the rims. However, the sensor may occasionally react to events that are completely unrelated such as earthquakes or train tracks that pass by a poorly constructed parking lot.
Another type of alarm is one that will be activated if the vehicle's ignition has been damaged. This can be a very useful feature, but it is also prone to false alarms. This is especially true if the vehicle has been placed in a dark area where pedestrians could accidentally hit it.
There are other ways to protect your vehicle from being taken away using keys. These include tyre locks and steering wheel locks and a Faraday bag that blocks the signal of the car from the key fob. It is essential to report the theft to police as soon as possible and they will be able to provide you with an identification number that will help them locate the culprits and retrieve your vehicle. It is also an excellent idea to think about obtaining a key care cover from your insurance company, which will cover the cost of replacing your key fob as well as re-programming the immobiliser.