Cars Are Still Being Stolen With Keys Inside
In the last few years every 32 seconds, a car with the keys inside has been stolen. This is not just an instance of criminality based on opportunism.
This is a growing problem particularly for owners of high-end automobiles. Thieves usually work in pairs. One is armed with an amplifier relay while the other is walking around your driveway with a transmitter device.
Keys
The good news is that in general car thefts have decreased over the past year -however, the downside is that cars are still being stolen with keys left inside. This kind of crime is particularly alarming because it usually occurs in broad daylight and when people are not expecting it. Those who lost their keys or had them stolen need to take action to protect their vehicle.
The first thing to do is look over your purse, pockets, and any bags you have on you, especially those that could contain valuables. It is possible to discover your keys in odd places, like pockets on your jacket and pants when you've been running. If you can't find your keys, search other places that you have used them, like in the house or at work. This will assist you to locate them.
If you have a brand newer car, you will need to contact the dealer or automaker to have replacement keys made. These keys contain special chips that must be re-sequenced with the car's computer. Also, you will need to purchase the new key barrels that go with the new keys. These can be expensive, but they are a good investment in the security of your vehicle.
Additionally, you should immediately call the police to report the incident. This will enable police to investigate and locate the person who stole your items. It will also help you if you need to submit an insurance claim. Insurance companies will often require a police report in order to cover the cost for replacing your keys or other items.
You should also think about installing an alarm for your car or a tracking device to prevent your car from being stolen even if you own the keys. These devices can deter thieves and, in certain cases they can stop them from getting the car started making it more difficult to steal. Some of these devices can be connected to your smartphone and send you alerts when they are tampered or moved without permission.
Remotes
When you lock your car with the key fob, it emits an alarm to alert a potential thief that the vehicle is secured. But that is just the first of many layers of security.
The criminals are able to capture this signal and use it to unlock the door, starting the engine, and driving away. They are able to do this with every vehicle with smart keys or a push-to-start ignition.
It's a hack that is simple to implement. It's called code grabbing, or "key cloning" which involves an electronic device that detects the signal being sent from your key fob, and then transmits it to a different device that tricks the car into thinking that the actual digital key is in close proximity. This is a simple hack that can be done by a maintenance worker in the gated community. The devices that can be used for this type attack are available online or in your local electronics store.
A new method of theft is targeting controller area networks (CAN) which is a network that allows sensors and control modules to communicate in modern automobiles. By taking off the headlight and connecting a device to the CAN, thieves can take the information required to unlock your car or even take control of it while you're driving it along the highway.
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 the risk of this type of crime however, they have also seen a 20% rise in thefts of cars where keys and remotes were left in. The NICB recommends locking your vehicle at all times, even if you are just warming it up in the driveway or stopping for coffee or gas.
And ignore those fads that are trending like placing your key fob inside the freezer or microwave to stop its signal. It's not foolproof and is only effective in deterring the most determined of thieves. It is also advisable to have your vehicle's remote reprogrammed if you buy a second-hand model. The majority of auto locksmiths and dealers are able to do this quickly and at a low cost, but some experts suggest against it if you plan to sell your vehicle.
Locks
You've experienced car stolen keys in car insurance how awful it is to wake up in the morning only to find your car gone. Especially when you haven't heard your alarm go off or noticed any telltale signs of intrusion, it could seem like your car has vanished overnight. The worst part of the situation is that you're still required to return your car back.
The technology has changed and thieves have adapted the new methods of stealth. Instead of using hotwires to hack into your car like you may see in a movie, criminals now employ technology to hack your keyless entry system. This means that thieves can unlock your vehicle and drive it off.
A thief could purchase an online device that records the signal from your car key fob. The thief then transmits the signal to a device that unlocks your car which allows him to start the car and drive away. This is known as an attack on relays and criminal gangs are increasingly employing this technique.
You can stop this from occurring. One way is to get an extra key lock installed, which blocks signals from your car's keys fob. It's a cost-effective, easy solution that can help protect your car from thieves. Another option is to install an electronic tracker inside your car, which will help to locate your vehicle if it is stolen.
You should also make sure that you check with your insurance company, as certain insurers provide coverage for key protection, and can provide a replacement in the case of theft. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to determine if they offer keys protection. Some insurers will offer a replacement if the keys are stolen.
You can also fit a brake or steering wheel lock to prevent thieves from stealing your car. They can be purchased on the internet for a reasonable cost, and they're easily adjustable to suit most cars. If you're a two-car household the wheel lock can be used in both vehicles. There are locks for the pedals which can stop a thief from operating the brake or clutch pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are designed to trigger when someone attempts to break into your vehicle. They emit a loud piercing noise that scares off most thieves. However there are many thieves who are becoming more and more technologically adept and are able to shut off alarms quickly. This means they are not alerted by any suspicious activity in their surroundings and allows them to get away with the vehicle while the owner is trying to unlock it.
Most modern cars are built with an alarm option, and this is a great method to prevent a theft. These alarms are activated by the key fob, or the actual key. They look over the vehicle and can detect vibrations or movement. If they spot something amiss the alarm will sound and possibly flash lights.
Some alarms are programmed to only activate in certain situations for instance, when the pressure of air changes in the vehicle. This is to deter thieves from breaking windows to steal wheels. The sensor is able to react to events that are completely unrelated, like earthquakes, or train tracks passing through a poorly built parking lot.
One type of alarm will sound if the ignition of the vehicle has been altered. This is a useful feature, however it can also trigger false triggers. This is particularly true if the vehicle is parked in an alley or a dark area where people might accidentally hit the vehicle.
There are other options to protect your vehicle from being stolen using keys. This includes tyre locks as well as steering wheel locks and the Faraday bag, which blocks the signal of the car from the key fob. It is essential to report the theft to the police as quickly as you can, as they will be able to provide you with a crime reference number that will help them locate the culprits and recover your vehicle. It is also recommended to get the key care plan from your insurance company. It will pay for the replacement of the key fob, as well as reprogramming the immobiliser.