Even if a vehicle is locked, criminals are able to use an amplification device, that causes a key fob (located in a house) to open a door.
At least two cars were broken into on Radcliffe Avenue last week in the early a.m. Both were locked. Although no valuables were in the car, the thieves went through the glove box and stole car registration papers. The incident was reported.
In the March 14 Crime Report, it was explained that a professional burglary crew was breaking into motor vehicles by using a key fob amplifier to unlock doors and remove property from the beach parking lots.
BEWARE those thieves are now on the streets of Pacific Palisades, using the same technique.
If you hang up your key fob close to the front door and your car is in the street, criminals can gain access to your car—even if it is locked.
The fob works on a radio frequency signal. A resident sent CTN an explanation that is found on click here..
“Car thieves (relay hackers) work in pairs to steal your vehicle or remove valuables by gaining access in an average of 60 seconds. Thief one stands in close proximity to your home door/window holding one part of the device (the amplifier), while thief two stands near your vehicle with the other part (the receiver).
“The hacking device amplifies your key signal from anywhere within your home (up to 20-meter range) and transmits this to the other receiver which is located near your vehicle to trick the vehicle computer into thinking the key is present.
“The hackers are then free to gain access and control of your vehicle and drive it away.
In the Crime Report, LAPD Detectives, were seeking more information from additional victims that had a car broken into along the Coast.
“We ask that you come forward if you are a victim,” the flyer noted and added, “Contact Detective Hernandez 39277@lapd.online or call (323) 369-3156.”
So this happened to my daughter in Denver. Her car was broken into one time. The thiefv took the master code to unlock the car from the registration and was able to return on multiple occasions and unlock the car with the master code. People should be warned not to keep their registration papers with the master code in the car. Once the thieves get it, they cannot be stopped.
Thanks, Elliot!
Right! Let’s build that bridge giving better access to our Community 😳. The Palisades is a targeted area. Despite the demands of the Coastal Commission we must do all we can to prevent the Beach Access bridge from coming to be.
Back during the Rodney King troubles a Russian friend said of the Westside..”How lucky you are NOT to have a train/rapid transit. He meant we did not provide access & quick escape to those who would do us harm. Access for the Public means the entire public.
In answer to Elliot’s question this happened to us and we were able to have the car reprogrammed and have it paid for by our insurance as part of the coverage. It was not subject to a deductible.
You can find boxes and bags with RFID protection which blocks your key fob from amplifying devices. Faraday defense corp. The material is also used in wallets, luggage and purses to protect credit cards, key fobs and electronic devices. On Amazon and the Faraday website,
I agree on the PCH bridge! No thank you!