Article Summary
A Houston man noticed his stolen tailgate being sold online, leading to a police investigation of key fob thefts. The suspects had a stash of blank key fobs and a programming device, suggesting a growing problem with high-tech car thefts. Authorities warn vehicle owners to take precautions as key fob-related car thefts rise both in Texas and across the country.
What This Means for You
- Be aware of the rising trend of key fob-related car thefts in Texas and other regions.
- Take precautions to safeguard your vehicle by locking tailgates and doors, using OBD port protection, and other preventive measures.
- Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities or theft to the police immediately.
- Consider upgrading your home security and installing a car camera for added protection.
Man discovers Houston key fob theft trend after his tailgate is stolen
An investigation into stolen pickup truck tailgates in Houston has revealed a more alarming trend: thieves are using high-tech tools to clone key fobs and drive away with vehicles in under eight minutes.
Stolen tailgates led victims to track down the suspects through social media posts, which were then passed along to local authorities. The suspects were found with more than just stolen tailgates – blank key fobs and a key programming device suggested evidence of a growing problem with high-tech car theft in the area.
Thieves access a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) port and create a new key fob, allowing them to unlock, start, and drive away with the car in minutes. Another technique, called “relay theft,” captures the signal from a key fob inside a home and transmits it to a receiver near the car to trick the vehicle into starting.
Tailgates alone can fetch up to $10,000 on the aftermarket, and stolen cars are often sold at steep discounts through online marketplaces.
To protect your vehicle:
Lock your tailgate and vehicle doors: This simple step can protect your tailgate and limit theft.
Use OBD port protection: Devices that block access to the OBD port can prevent cloning.
Store key fobs in a Faraday bag: These pouches block the signal from your fob, stopping thieves from capturing it.
Install a steering wheel lock or aftermarket alarm: Old-school mechanical locks are highly effective deterrents.
Park in a secure garage: When possible, keep your vehicle out of sight and out of reach.
Turn off your fob’s wireless signal: Some newer fobs allow you to disable the signal when not in use—check your owner’s manual.
Upgrade your home security:** Motion detectors and cameras can add an extra layer of protection.
Install a car camera: Adding a dashboard or rear camera can help deter thieves and provide police with important evidence.
Add an AirTag or other GPS device: This can help you track your stolen car. But be sure to tell police; don’t try to recover the car yourself.
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People Also Ask
- What is relay theft? Relay theft is a technique where criminals use electronic devices to capture the signal from a key fob inside a home, transmit it to a receiver near the car, and trick the vehicle into starting.
- How can I protect my car from key fob theft? To protect your car, lock your tailgate and vehicle doors, use OBD port protection, store your key fob in a Faraday bag, install a steering wheel lock or aftermarket alarm, park in a secure garage, turn off your fob’s wireless signal, and upgrade your home security.
- How does onboard diagnostics (OBD) port theft occur? Thieves access a vehicle’s OBD port, usually located under the dashboard, and use a specialized programmer to create a new key fob that lets them unlock, start, and drive away with the car.
- How much can a stolen tailgate fetch on the aftermarket? Stolen tailgates can fetch up to $10,000 on the aftermarket.
Expert Opinion
Key fob theft is a growing concern, especially with increasingly sophisticated methods of stealing vehicles. By staying informed about these trends and taking preventive measures, such as securing your OBD port and using a Faraday bag for your key fob, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Key Terms
- High-tech car theft
- Key fob cloning
- OBD port theft
- Relay theft
- Faraday bag
- Car security
- Vehicle tracking
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