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New $5 device unlocks car doors

hopefully not a repost.

New $5 device easily unlocks car doors for thieves in Winnipeg - Manitoba - CBC News

Quote:

A new tool is allowing criminals across the world to break into cars without leaving a trace, and now that device has made its way to Winnipeg.

The new device can be purchased online for about $5 and sends an electromagnetic pulse through a car’s key area to unlock the vehicle.

Winnipegger Rick Henzel had no idea the technology existed, until his car was broken into early Sunday morning.

“We did find the glove box open, insurance papers stolen,” said Henzel.

At first, he thought his wife had left the doors unlocked, but a neighbour told him he had phoned the police early that morning when he heard noise outside.

Luckily, the whole thing was caught on tape. Henzel had installed security cameras on his property about a year ago when his car was broken into previously.

“They come running up into the screen. It’s a free for all,” he said. “They’re in that car as well and away they go. Just like that.”

Thieves can be seen applying a device to a car and then opening the door as if it is unlocked.

“It makes you feel a bit vulnerable to be honest with you because you feel like a victim,” said Henzel.

Michael Legary is a security expert with Seccuris. He said thieves are using the $5 devices to hack into vehicles’ computer systems.

"So just like we have to worry about our computers being hacked, our cars can be hacked as well,” said Legary. “That's something we didn't have to worry about a decade ago."

The device sends an electromagnetic pulse into the vehicle, tricking it into unlocking the door, much like a keyless entry key fob.

He said according to the device’s manufacturer, at least 19 of the devices have been shipped to Winnipeg in the past three months.

Legary said while you can’t prevent thieves from getting into your vehicle, you can keep them from getting your belongings, and he recommends not leaving anything, even your insurance papers, in your car unattended.

The device can be thwarted if the car’s keyless entry system is disabled, but you’ll have to visit a mechanic to have that done.

Henzel has reported the theft to police but said police officers appeared baffled by the device.

...which is why I now lock every lockable thing in my car. Noticed how it said keyless entry only are affected...:troll:

this is not a new tool. Thieves in Asia have used it since the 90's.

seems like a neat thing to buy if I ever leave my keys locked inside my car

:troll:

meh if you have an aftermarket alarm it would still go off

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil@rise (Post 8353684)

meh if you have an aftermarket alarm it would still go off

on my dad's subaru, if you lock the car with they factory remote key fob, and then unlock the door manually with the key and open it, the alarm will go off. does this "device" also shut off the factory alarm as it unlocks the doors with the signal it sends out?

The company that makes those devices is going to a new, battery free design, proven to be just as effetive and easy to use.

http://doubleglazingdoctor.files.wor...urved-claw.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedStars (Post 8353670)

...which is why I now lock every lockable thing in my car. Noticed how it said keyless entry only are affected...:troll:

Do you really think a flimsy glovebox lock is going to keep thieves out? Good luck replacing a dash they busted apart.

dont leave your registration papers unattended? What are you supposed to cram it in your wallet? Would police accept electronic copies on your mobile device when you get pulled over?

You know, sometimes driving an 80s car isn't so bad.

Also the fact that thieves look at it and think "Yea, this dude doesn't have anything worth stealing."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splinter (Post 8353882)

You know, sometimes driving an 80s car isn't so bad.

Also the fact that thieves look at it and think "Yea, this dude doesn't have anything worth stealing."

Exactly! This method has always worked for me too.

the laws are lax and screwed up...protect your belongings by little means and YOU get in trouble...

There's always been tons of ways to easily defeat stock alarm systems. Some systems just take using a screwdriver in the driver door and the alarms turned off.

Again, if someone really wants your car they'll get it.

Best bet is to make sure all valuable are taken out of the car, and an aftermarket alarm would help.

But keep in mind the best alarm can't stop a thief from smashing the window and grabbing something. Even if you're only running in for 5 mins to the store, it takes a thief all of 5 seconds to smash a window and grab a radar detector/purse/laptop/etc. By the time you get to the car the thief is long gone.

I've had many incidents in the past where even in my own car port someone tried to break into my old car. I left my faceplate of my top of line stereo in while at home thinking it would be safe. Learned the hard way.