Southern California police warning residents of increase in ‘key cloner’ car thefts
“Key cloner” car thefts are on the rise in Southern California, according to one local law enforcement agency.
The Burbank Police Department issued a press release early Tuesday afternoon warning SoCal residents of the trend, which primarily affects newer vehicles that can be started without a key.
“Most newer vehicles sold today are enabled with keyless or remote ignition,” Burbank police said. “The owner of the vehicle simply needs to have their key fob close to unlock and start their vehicle.”
The added convenience of being able to start a vehicle without actually being in it is complicated by new advancements in technology being employed by thieves to steal newer cars, according to authorities. Thieves typically take advantage of keyless entry systems by using an aftermarket device – normally about the size of a cell phone or small tablet – to remotely scan for a key fob signal and quickly create a cloned key.
Similar devices can plug in underneath a car’s dashboard and download the vehicle’s information, which can then be programmed into a blank key fob by thieves, police added.
In the wake of the increase in “key cloner” thefts, officials are advising residents to heed the following advice:
- Park inside a garage, if possible
- Consider installing motion-sensing lights and/or video cameras near parking spots and driveways
- Consider storing key fobs in a signal blocking box, such as a Faraday pouch
- Utilize a traditional steering wheel lock or similar device
- Purchase an aftermarket, low-cost GPS tracking device to conceal inside a vehicle
- Contact the dealership to inquire about security software update eligibility
Anyone who sees a crime in progress or witnesses activity that appears to be suspicious should call 911 right away.
If the matter is less urgent, call your local police department’s non-emergency phone number.