Suspects Caught In The Act Of Trying To Reprogram Car Keys

Before electronic car keys were a thing, flat-bladed keys were the norm and, not coincidentally, rates of vehicle theft were alarmingly high. These keys could be easily duplicated for only a few pounds on the high street, allowing criminals to open and start virtually any car.

Designed to increase security and convenience, electronic keys and smart fobs have long since replaced outdated blade keys, but criminals have quickly caught up with the technology – as a recent incident in Redwood City, California, demonstrated.

Caught In The Act

According to the Palo Alto Daily Post, three men were arrested by the Redwood City Police for attempting to steal a silver Toyota Prius. The suspects were spotted by the car’s owner, who promptly alerted the authorities.

Upon their arrival, the police pulled over the suspects and discovered that they were attempting to steal the car using a reprogrammed car key. In what is known as a relay attack, a criminal uses an electronic receiver and transmitter to detect the signal broadcast by the car key fob, even if it is safely secured within the owner’s home, and then transmits it to the car, thereby enabling them to gain access and start the engine.

In the Redwood City case, the suspects were charged with attempted car theft, conspiracy, and possession of burglary tools.

Why Your Customers Should Take Commonsense Steps To Vehicle Security

This incident highlights the vulnerability of modern cars to relay attacks and it’s a persistent issue, not just in the US but across the world, including the UK. As criminals continue to exploit technological advances, motorists must remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their assets.

To safeguard against such incidents, the police and automotive experts recommend a multi-pronged approach:

Keep cars locked and keys or fobs secured in a car key lock box that is designed to block the signal from the keys to the car. These devices are available as easy-to-carry pouches or wall-mountable cabinets.
Use a high-quality steering lock to prevent the steering wheel from being turned. If criminals do manage to access the vehicle, they won’t be able to drive it away.
Park the car in a locked garage or behind gates to make it more difficult for criminals to access the vehicle.

Add Car Key Programming To Your Service Portfolio

Nevertheless, from time to time, your customers’ car keys will be lost or stolen, so it can be advantageous to invest in a car key programmer, which will allow you to create new copies of their keys from a blank fob.

Instead of having to order expensive replacements from their vehicle dealership, your customers will be able to obtain a more affordable option directly from your business, saving them time and money and increasing your turnover.

Upgrade To The Latest Car Key Programming Equipment Today

At Advanced Keys, we supply a range of blank keys and car key reprogramming tools to garages and auto locksmiths. To find out more, please browse our range or call us on 0121 749 5210 for expert advice.

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