Car thieves have come up with a new way to steal your car. They’re doing something called “car hacking,” and they’re doing it in a few ways. NBC10 Responds reporter Tracy Davidson went to the police to find out the kinds of cars being stolen, the hot spots around the city, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Police in Montgomery County are warning car owners after vehicles were stolen overnight March 12 into March 13.
Thieves stole three Honda vehicles that were each parked and locked in the area of Roboda Boulevard and Vaughn Road in Upper Providence Township, police said.
Police explained that the thieves are believed to have used devices that captured and relayed the signal from the key fobs to unlock and start each car.
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Officials are suggesting that owners of cars with keyless entry to use a "Faraday bag or pouch" which will block attempts by thieves to connect to your fob's signal.
In a statement to NBC10, a spokesperson with Honda wrote:
“Honda is aware of reports of thieves using devices to mimic vehicle commands and gain access to multiple automakers’ vehicles. While Honda regularly improves security features as new models are introduced, determined and technologically sophisticated thieves are also working to overcome those features. Vehicle crimes can utilize a wide range of methods from rudimentary to very sophisticated. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) provides theft prevention recommendations on their website, Vehicle Theft Prevention | NHTSA.”
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If you have any information on these thefts or live in the area and captured suspicious footage on your home surveillance, please contact Detective Sergeant Haines at phaines@uprov-montco.org or call 610-933-7899.
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