Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside

In the last few years, a car has been stolen with keys inside every 32 seconds. This is not just an instance of criminality based on opportunism.

This is a growing issue especially for those who own luxury cars. Thieves often work in pairs. One holds an amplifier relay while the other walks through your driveway using a transmitter device.

Keys

The good news is that overall car thefts have decreased over the last year. But the bad news is, cars with keys still get stolen. This kind of crime is particularly alarming because it happens in broad daylight, and people aren't expecting it. People who have lost their keys, or had them stolen, should take steps to protect their vehicles.

Check your pockets, purse and any bags that you may have, especially if you think they might contain valuables. Sometimes you will find your keys in places that you didn't expect to include, such as in the pockets of your jacket or pants in case you went for a run. If you can't locate your keys, search other places you could have used them, such as at home or work. This will give you a better idea of where they might be hiding.

If you have a newer vehicle, you'll need contact your automaker or dealer for replacement keys. Keys with special chips that need to be re-synchronized with the car's computer. You will also need to purchase new key barrels that come with the new keys. They can be costly, but they are a great investment in the security of your vehicle.

In addition, you should immediately contact the police to report the incident. This will help the police in their investigation and may even help them track down the thief and will assist you if you need to make an insurance claim. Insurance companies will often require a police report in order to pay for replacing your keys or other things.

It is also recommended to install an alarm for your car or tracking device to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen even if you own keys. These devices can deter thieves, and in some cases prevent them from getting your car started, making it more difficult to take it away. Some of these devices can be linked to your smartphone and send you alerts if they are damaged or moved without your permission.

Remotes

When you lock your vehicle using the key fob, it emits a signal to alert thieves that your vehicle is secure. But that is just the beginning of many layers of protection.

The thieves can still capture this signal and use it to unlock the door, igniting the engine, and driving away. In fact, they could do this with virtually 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 that detects the signal from your key fob, and then transmits it on to another device, tricking the car into thinking that the real digital keys are in close. It's simple enough for a maintenance worker in an area with a gated security system to carry out this, and the equipment used in this kind of attack can be purchased on the internet or at your local electronics store for only about a couple hundred dollars.

Another new method of theft targets the controller area network (CAN) which allows sensors and control modules of modern cars to communicate with one another. By disconnecting the headlight and connecting a device to the CAN, thieves can get the information needed to unlock your car or even control it while driving on the highway.

While the latest, more sophisticated keyless entry systems that are now the norm on a lot of vehicles may help reduce this type of crime however, the National Insurance Crime Bureau has witnessed a 20 percent increase in the number of thefts from vehicles with remotes and keys inside. The NICB recommends that you lock your car even when you park it in the driveway to warm it up, or when you stop for gas or a coffee.

And ignore those fads that are circulating, such as putting your key fob in the microwave or freezer to hinder its signal. It's not foolproof and get more info can only deter the most ferocious thieves. It's also worth considering having your vehicle's remote reprogrammed if you purchase a used model. The majority of auto locksmiths and dealers can do this quickly and at a low cost, but some experts recommend against doing this in the event of selling your car.

Locks

It's a nightmare is to awake in the morning only to find your car gone. Particularly if you haven't heard your alarm go off or observed any signs of intrusion, it may feel like your car just vanished overnight. Thankfully, the worst part is over, but there's the problem of regaining it!

As technology has advanced, thieves have adapted their methods of securing. Instead of hotwiring your car as you may see in a movie, thieves are now using technology to hack your keyless entry system. This means that thieves are able to unlock your car and take it away.

To accomplish this, a thief could purchase a device that records the signal transmitted by your car's key fob. The thief transmits the captured signal to a device which opens your vehicle which allows the vehicle to start and drive away. This is known as a relay attack and criminal gangs are increasingly employing this technique.

The good news is, you can prevent it from happening to you. One option is to have a key lock protector installed, which blocks the signals from your car's keys fob. This is a cheap and simple solution that will help protect your vehicle from thieves. Installing a tracker onto your car is another option. It will help you locate your vehicle in the event of it being stolen.

It's recommended to keep your keys somewhere other than in your car, and never leave them in the ignition. Also, make sure that you inquire with your insurance company since some insurance companies provide cover for key protection and may pay for an replacement in the case of theft.

You can also install an engine lock or brake lock in order to prevent thieves from stealing your vehicle. They can be purchased online for a relatively low cost, and are easily adjustable to fit the majority of cars. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles if you have two vehicles. There are locks for the pedals which can protect the person who is operating the clutch or brake pedals.

Alarms

The alarms are constructed to sound when someone tries to break into your car. They emit a loud piercing noise that scares off most thieves. However the majority of thieves are becoming technologically adept and know how to shut off most alarms quickly. This keeps them from being alerted by anything suspicious in their surroundings and also enables them to escape with the vehicle while the owner is still trying to unlock it.

Alarms are present on the majority of modern cars, which is an excellent method of preventing theft. These alarms can be activated with the key fob or physical key, and they will monitor the vehicle for movement or vibrations. If they find that something is not right they will sound the siren, and then possibly flash the lights.

Some alarms are programmed so that they only trigger in specific situations like when the pressure of air changes in the vehicle. This is to discourage thieves from breaking windows to steal wheels. However, the sensor may occasionally react to events that are completely unrelated like earthquakes or train tracks passing by an unconstructed parking lot.

A particular type of alarm can sound in the event that the ignition of the car is tampered with. This is a helpful feature, but can also be susceptible to false triggers. This is true especially in the case of a vehicle that has been placed in a dark area where people might accidently bump into it.

There are other options to prevent your vehicle from being stolen using keys. These include tyre locks as well as steering wheel locks and the Faraday bag, which blocks the signal of the car from the key fob. Making the report as soon as you can to police is essential. They will provide you with the reference number, which will assist them in locating the thieves and return your vehicle. You should also consider obtaining the key care plan from your insurance provider. This will cover the cost of replacing the key fob and reprogramming the immobiliser.