New way to steal a vehicle

Donald

Donald

Joined
Mar 21, 2004
Messages
33,604
Location
Near the beach in Delaware
A guy I know was explaining that thieves can break a window to get into the vehicle, use a scan tool connected to OBDII and program their own key and drive away with your vehicle.

With my vehicles you have to have a key to turn at least turn on the ignition, possible start the car. So not sure how getting a scan tool attached to the OBDII will allow you to steal a vehicle. And even if you can program the vehicle you need a key that was cut if if has a lock cylinder.
 
Yes, my 2020 RAM was likely stolen that way. With the RAM trucks, they fish a hook through the grille to unplug the horn so that when the alarm goes off, only the lights flash. This is common and the proximity-key relay is another way.
 
I paid for 5 years of Lowjack on the Navigator I purchased recently. I wonder how well it will work if it's stolen. Supposed to use GPS. I hope to never find out. 😅
 
Donald said:
A guy I know was explaining that thieves can break a window to get into the vehicle, use a scan tool connected to OBDII and program their own key and drive away with your vehicle.

With my vehicles you have to have a key to turn at least turn on the ignition, possible start the car. So not sure how getting a scan tool attached to the OBDII will allow you to steal a vehicle. And even if you can program the vehicle you need a key that was cut if if has a lock cylinder.
Click to expand...
Your lock is not a "lock." It just sends a signal similar to a push button.
And you said "vehicles?" SUbaru is one of the easiest to steal, and has always been. Asian vehicles are generally the easiest to steal.
 
We had car thief rings that would walk around apartment complexes at night with devices that could intercept an RFI code from a keyfob in close proximity to the front doors. When they got a hit, they could capture the code, locate the vehicle, and ultimately drive off with it and cause zero damage.
 
Thankfully I am not that attached to my 4Runners. I do my best at deterrence and have insurance for the rest.
 
Donald said:
A guy I know was explaining that thieves can break a window to get into the vehicle, use a scan tool connected to OBDII and program their own key and drive away with your vehicle.
Click to expand...
xspeedy said:
Yes, my 2020 RAM was likely stolen that way. With the RAM trucks, they fish a hook through the grille to unplug the horn so that when the alarm goes off, only the lights flash. This is common and the proximity-key relay is another way.
Click to expand...
This capability/tool should be only offered to dealership or vetted locksmiths/mechanics. Likely is but I have a feeling Stellantis has terrible CANBUS security allowing this to happen.

fantastic said:
I paid for 5 years of Lowjack on the Navigator I purchased recently. I wonder how well it will work if it's stolen. Supposed to use GPS. I hope to never find out. 😅
Click to expand...
Just get an Airtag / Android tracker now. Almost as good for $30.

KGMtech said:
If a pro wants your ride, they get it. If an idiot tries the same you are often left with their failed result and are far worse off.
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In insurance we say the best stolen car is one you never find. Theft recoveries before 30 days are a mess. What did they do in there? ANy drugs left behind in the walls and you get a hit on a drug dog at a traffic stop and sit next to bubba in county lockup?

They likely drove it like they stole it, stressed the engine, and wrecked the suspension. Any issue in the coming weeks can be related to the accident, warning lights, alignment off, weird smells.

I'd occasionally get theft recoveries that we caught by the PD years later. Those were fun to see, repainted with VINs swapped, except they usually miss the firewall.
 
my father used to be a certified DEI dealer and install alarms with remote starter kill relays
 
Owen Lucas said:
This capability/tool should be only offered to dealership or vetted locksmiths/mechanics. Likely is but I have a feeling Stellantis has terrible CANBUS security allowing this to happen.


Just get an Airtag / Android tracker now. Almost as good for $30.


In insurance we say the best stolen car is one you never find. Theft recoveries before 30 days are a mess. What did they do in there? ANy drugs left behind in the walls and you get a hit on a drug dog at a traffic stop and sit next to bubba in county lockup?

They likely drove it like they stole it, stressed the engine, and wrecked the suspension. Any issue in the coming weeks can be related to the accident, warning lights, alignment off, weird smells.

I'd occasionally get theft recoveries that we caught by the PD years later. Those were fun to see, repainted with VINs swapped, except they usually miss the firewall.
Click to expand...

Problem with airtags, etc is you get alerted on your phone if a device is following you and then they can find it and remove it or at least know it's in there.

The ability to program keys beyond the dealership is a complex discussion that involves a variety of factors ranging from safety and privacy to right to repair to consumer rights to common sense to security.

I know the newer GM vehicles have a fully encryoted communication network which is why Comma AI devices don't work with the latest GM vehicles.
 
Owen Lucas said:
This capability/tool should be only offered to dealership or vetted locksmiths/mechanics. Likely is but I have a feeling Stellantis has terrible CANBUS security allowing this to happen.


Just get an Airtag / Android tracker now. Almost as good for $30.


In insurance we say the best stolen car is one you never find. Theft recoveries before 30 days are a mess. What did they do in there? ANy drugs left behind in the walls and you get a hit on a drug dog at a traffic stop and sit next to bubba in county lockup?

They likely drove it like they stole it, stressed the engine, and wrecked the suspension. Any issue in the coming weeks can be related to the accident, warning lights, alignment off, weird smells.

I'd occasionally get theft recoveries that we caught by the PD years later. Those were fun to see, repainted with VINs swapped, except they usually miss the firewall.
Click to expand...
Thanks
I think using cellular would be less reliable than GPS but to your point it's much cheaper.
 
I know GM tries to stay ahead of these types of thefts but its pretty futile. I have a close friend who works in that space, its surprisingly simple to defeat. A pro will get your vehicle regardless.
 
I don’t even think they need to break a window to get in. Once they pick up the key fob signal they have full control on their lap top and can unlock the door and start the engine and be gone before you know it 🫤
 

42%​

INCREASE IN AUTO THEFTS FROM 2019 TO 2023​

FBI Crime Data

Looking at the Lojack site I signed up for I'm seeing them show some statistics. Crazy world we live in that's for sure. What do you all think the increase in theft is from? Higher vehicle cost/value? Criminals are making more money for a snag? Possibly a myriad of reasons combined.
 
Owen Lucas said:
How much was this and how does the install go? Connects to OBD port?
Click to expand...
IGLA is completely invisible and not connected to OBD port. You have to speak to an authorized IGLA installer for cost in your region.

There is nothing to alert a thief, they simply will not be able to move or engine will cut off even if they manage to turn on ignition, several variations are available
 
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