How high-tech thieves steal cars in just minutes

Summary

In Toronto, vehicle theft has surged, with thieves using high-tech methods like key fob reprogramming and relay attacks to steal cars in seconds. Organized crime syndicates are increasingly involved, targeting both luxury and everyday vehicles. Brian Gast, a former police officer, offers advice on reducing the risk of theft, suggesting a layered approach that includes using steering wheel locks, Faraday bags for key fobs, and parking in secure locations. Despite advancements in car security, no car is completely theft-proof, so vigilance and precautions are key.

Takeaways

• 😀 Car thefts in Toronto are rising, with over 8,000 vehicles stolen annually, equating to more than 20 cars per day.
• 😀 The majority of stolen vehicles are resold overseas, often as part of organized crime syndicates.
• 😀 Thieves use both high-tech and low-tech methods to bypass modern anti-theft systems.
• 😀 Keyless entry/start systems, even on new cars, are vulnerable to theft, with some cars stolen in as little as 15-30 seconds.
• 😀 One method of theft involves 'reprogramming theft,' where thieves use onboard diagnostic ports (OBD) to reprogram a key fob and steal a car.
• 😀 Relay attacks are another common method, where thieves use devices to capture and transmit key fob signals from inside the house, making it seem like the car owner is unlocking the vehicle.
• 😀 Even with security measures like Faraday bags and data port locks, thieves are using increasingly advanced equipment to steal cars.
• 😀 A Faraday bag prevents key fob signals from being intercepted, protecting against relay attacks.
• 😀 Common precautions to prevent theft include parking in a garage, using steering wheel locks, and blocking the vehicle in with other cars.
• 😀 It's important to be aware of the risks in public spaces, such as mall parking lots, where thieves can use code grabbers to intercept key fob signals.
• 😀 While no method can make a car completely theft-proof, combining multiple layers of security (like Faraday bags, data port locks, and physical barriers) can significantly reduce the risk.

Q & A

What is the primary reason for the surge in vehicle thefts in cities like Toronto?

The primary reason for the surge in vehicle thefts is the involvement of organized crime syndicates that target vehicles for resale overseas. Additionally, the rise of high-tech theft methods, including key fob relay attacks and reprogramming devices, has made vehicles easier to steal.

What are some common methods used by thieves to steal vehicles today?

Some common methods include relay attacks, where thieves intercept signals from key fobs to unlock and start a car, and reprogramming thefts, where thieves plug into a car's onboard diagnostic (OBD) port to reprogram a key fob and drive off.

What is a relay attack and how does it work?

A relay attack involves thieves using a device to capture the signal from a key fob, even when the fob is inside the house, and transmit it to unlock and start the car. This allows them to bypass traditional security systems without ever touching the key fob.

How fast can a vehicle be stolen using high-tech methods?

Using advanced technology, thieves can steal a vehicle in as little as 15 to 30 seconds, a drastic improvement from the previous 10 to 20 minutes it used to take.

What is the significance of the vehicle identification number (VIN) in a car theft?

Thieves use the VIN to identify and confirm the vehicle they are targeting. They may also use the VIN to track the car’s history or order specific models for theft, which is why they often check it with a phone before attempting to steal the vehicle.

Can newer cars with modern security features still be stolen?

Yes, even newer cars with advanced security systems, like blinking alarm lights and anti-theft technology, are still vulnerable to theft due to the sophistication of modern theft methods such as key fob relay attacks and OBD reprogramming.

What are some basic steps vehicle owners can take to protect their cars from theft?

Vehicle owners can reduce the risk of theft by parking in secure, well-lit areas, using physical deterrents like steering wheel locks, keeping their key fob in a Faraday bag or metal box to block signal interception, and blocking their vehicle in with another car when possible.

How can a Faraday bag help protect a vehicle from theft?

A Faraday bag blocks the signals emitted by a key fob, preventing thieves from intercepting the signal and using it to unlock or start the vehicle. It's an effective tool to protect your car from relay attacks.

What is an OBD port, and how is it used in vehicle theft?

The OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port is a connection point in most modern vehicles. Thieves can plug into this port to reprogram a new key fob, bypassing the vehicle's security system and driving away with the car.

What advice does the expert give for making your car less attractive to thieves?

The expert recommends a layered security approach. This includes parking in a garage or blocking the vehicle with other cars, using physical deterrents like steering wheel locks, and ensuring the key fob is protected with a Faraday bag or kept in a metal box to prevent relay attacks.