Property Damage Attorney | Protect Your Vehicle from High Tech Thieves.

As a property damage attorney in Mesa, Arizona I have seen how car theft has changed over the years. Car thieves used to smash a window or use a slim jim to open a door. With new technology, however, comes new risks for auto owners. The rise of keyless entry and ignitions could allow crooks to quickly and easily break into and steal your car, SUV or pick-up.

Newer vehicles are essentially computers-on-wheels, so the same technology automakers developed to make our lives easier also makes it easier for thieves. According to law enforcement officials, high tech equipment can be used to access and steal a vehicle within a few seconds.

Many new motor vehicles come with electronic fobs that allow keyless entry and keyless start. The fobs let drivers unlock their car and even start it without taking their key fob out of their pocket or purse. The fob emits a low power code via radio signal that is picked up by an antenna on the car.

Unfortunately, when new technology hits the market, you can be sure crooks are trying to defeat it. Thieves are now using a relatively inexpensive device called a “grabber” that amplifies that code, even if the fob is inside your home. The grabber receives and records the code emitted by the fob. The grabber transfers the code to a booster, which then uses it to trick the car into thinking the key fob is near when it is actually somewhere else, such as in a nearby home. The thieves can enter your car, and in most cases, they are also able to start the engine. This new wave of thefts are sometimes called “relay attacks.”

Some automakers, like BMW and Mercedes, are using technology to fight high-tech car thefts. They are using motion sensor detectors to turn the fob off when it is not being used, like when it is on your kitchen table or in your purse or pocket at work.

What Can You Do?

Keep your fob away from doors and windows so it can’t be boosted, store your fob in a RFID box to block the signal from being emitted, and park in a secure area.

Take your key fob with you and never leave it behind in your vehicle. Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle, not even out of sight. And if you see suspicious activity, contact law enforcement and, if you can do so safely, take photos with your phone.

If you car has been damaged, or stolen you may need the help of a property damage attorney to recover your loss. We have the experience to be able to help you with your insurance company. Call me at (480) 833-1113 and we can talk about it.

Attorney Profile: Kevin Chapman
Main Areas of Law:
Personal Injury
Auto Accidents
Wrongful Death

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