How A Weekly Car Stolen With Keys Project Can Change Your Life
How A Weekly Car Stolen With Keys Project Can Change Your Life
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. It's not an isolated incident.
This is a problem that is growing, particularly for luxury car owners. Thieves usually work in pairs. One is armed with an amplifier for relays while the other is walking through your driveway using a transmitter device.
Keys
The good news is, overall, car thefts are down over the last year. However, the bad news is, cars with keys are still stolen. This kind of crime is particularly alarming because it is often committed in broad daylight and even when people aren't anticipating it. Those who lost their keys or had them stolen must to take steps to secure their vehicle.
The first thing you need to do is look over your purse, pockets, and all bags you carry on you, especially those that might contain valuables. Sometimes you will discover 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 are unable to locate your keys, look in other places you could have used them like at work or at home. This will give you a better idea of where they might be hiding.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, you'll have to contact the dealership or automaker to have replacement keys made. The keys are equipped with special chips that need to be re-sequenced to the vehicle's computer. You will also have to purchase new barrels for the new keys. These are expensive but a small investment in the security of your car is worth it.
You should also call the police immediately to file an official complaint. This will enable the police to investigate and track down the culprit. It can also assist you if you need to submit an insurance claim. The majority of insurance companies require an official police report to cover the cost of replacing your keys or other things.
You should also think about installing a car alarm or tracking device to help prevent your car from being stolen even if you own keys. These devices can deter thieves, and even stop them from starting your car, making it more difficult to take it away. Some of these devices are connected to your phone and can send you alerts when they are altered or moved without your consent.
Remotes
When you lock your car using the key fob, it emits a signal to warn a potential thief that the vehicle is secured. But that is just the beginning of many layers of security.
Thieves are able to capture that signal and use it to unlock the door, start the engine, and drive away. They can do this with almost every vehicle with a smart key, or a push-to-start ignition.
This hack is called "code grabbing" or "key-cloning." It involves an electronic device which is able to capture the signal generated by your key fob and transmits it to another device, luring the car into believing the real digital keys are close. It's simple enough for a maintenance worker in a gated community to perform as well, and the tools used in this kind of attack can be purchased online or at your local electronics store for only several hundred dollars.
A new method of theft targets controller area networks (CAN) which is a system that allows sensors and control modules to communicate in modern cars. 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 be able to take control of the vehicle while you are driving.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that even though the newer advanced, more sophisticated keyless entry systems, which are becoming the norm in many automobiles, can help reduce this type crime, they have 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're just warming it up in the driveway or stopping for coffee or gas.
And ignore those fads that are circulating for example, placing your key fob in the microwave or freezer to block its signal. It's not foolproof, and only works to deter the most determined thieves. It is also advisable to have the remote of your vehicle reprogrammed in case you buy a second-hand model. Most dealers and auto locksmiths can do this fast and at a low cost, but some experts advise against this if you plan to sell your car.
Locks
If you've ever woken in the morning, walked out to your car, and then discovered it had disappeared, you'll know how terrible it feels. It's a bit shocking to discover that your vehicle disappeared overnight, especially in the event that you haven't heard an alarm or observed any signs of intrusion. Thankfully, the worst part is over, but there's the challenge of regaining it!
The technology has advanced and thieves have adapted to the new methods of stealth. Instead of stealing your car's hotwire, which is something you might see in a film, the majority of criminals now employ technology to hack your keyless entry system. This means that thieves can unlock your vehicle and then take it away.
A thief could purchase an online device that can capture the signal from your car key fob. They then transmit that signal to another device that can open your car, allowing them start and drive away. This is referred to as a relay attack, and it's becoming more common for criminal gangs use this technique.
The good news is, you can prevent it from happening to you. One option is to have the key lock protector installed, which blocks signals coming from your car's key fob. It's a cost-effective solution that is simple to install and can aid in protecting your car from thieves. Installing a tracker onto your vehicle is a different option. It helps you 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 determine if they offer keys protection. Some insurers will provide a replacement in the event that keys are stolen.
You can also put in a steering lock or brake lock in order to prevent thieves from stealing your vehicle. Online, you can buy these for a low cost and they're easily adjustable to fit most cars. Wheel locks can be used on both vehicles, if you own two vehicles. There are also locks for the pedals that can protect the person who is operating the clutch or brake pedals.
Alarms
Car alarms are made to sound when someone attempts to break into your car. They typically emit an ear-piercing, loud sound that will scare off most thieves and attract attention from anyone in the area. However the majority of thieves are becoming technologically adept, and they know how to shut off alarms quickly. This prevents them from being alerted by any suspicious activity in their surroundings and also enables them to escape with the vehicle even though the owner is trying to unlock it.
Alarms are standard on modern cars, which is an excellent method of preventing theft. These alarms can be activated using the key fob or the physical key, and will check the vehicle for motions or vibrations. If they spot something amiss the alarm will sound and possibly flash lights.
Some alarms are programmed so that they only trigger in specific situations for instance, when the pressure of air changes in the vehicle. This is to discourage thieves from breaking windows to steal wheels. This sensor can react to things completely unrelated like earthquakes, or tracks that pass through a poorly built parking lot.
Another kind of alarm is one that will sound if the car's ignition has been tampered with. This can be a very useful feature, but it can also trigger false triggers. This is especially true when the vehicle is parked in a narrow alley or dark spot where passersby may accidentally crash into the vehicle.
There are a variety of alternatives to safeguard your vehicle from being stolen with keys, including the use of tyre clamps as well as steering wheel locks and Faraday bags that stop the signal of the car from the key website fob. Reporting the theft as soon as you can to police is crucial. They will give you a reference number which can assist in locating the culprits and recover your vehicle. It is also recommended to look into obtaining key care cover from your insurance provider, that will pay for replacing your key fob as well as re-programming the immobiliser.