Page 11 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 11 2022

Travel
Precinct Living

Using a relay amplifier, the villian near the
vehicle captures the signal transmitted by
the vehicle’s key fob carried by the driver

How to stop keyless car

thieves in their tracks

hen tap and go credit vehicles to lock when the person is a
cards first came out, some certain distance away. This signal is
consumers were skeptical then transmitted to a relay transmitter,
Wbecause they felt they which is then used to open the car. The
were more of a security risk. Then the key fob has to be inside the vehicle
pandemic came along and suddenly just before it will start – but that’s no
about everyone was resorting to using hindrance to the criminals because the
the tap and go option. transmitter is small enough to be taken
with the one who enters the car, and all
Touchless solutions have popped up he has to do is press the keyless start
everywhere over the last couple of years button and drive away. You could install an additional
KE YLESS functionality of locking, opening and So, here’s the thing – the criminals don’t And, if you’re at a party with friends,
KEYLESS
immobiliser.
and car manufacturers are climbing
ARE THERE OTHER RISKS?
on the bandwagon with their keyless
you could ask someone with a car that is
only go for vehicles in public parking
starting cars.
areas. They have been known to walk
started with a key to park behind you.
While the convenience of not having
Or, you could consider deactivating the
around a house searching for the signal
keyless function entirely.
that’s constantly transmitted by the
to scramble through a bag or check
multiple pockets to locate one’s keys is
key fob. If the key fob is hanging on a
hook or in a handbag close to a widow,
And, then, although not preventative,
an advantage, particularly here in SA,
THEFT
CAR THEFT it’s an open invitation for criminals to the signal can easily be picked up. Next installing a tracker system in the vehicle
C
AR
morning, the vehicle owner goes outside
refine their craft and find ways to steal
will at least help with the recovery of the
these vehicles that are kitted out with all
vehicle, if it’s not already in a container
to find the vehicle is missing.
the latest software and technology. And,
on its way overseas by the time you
CAN THIS METHOD OF THEFT
discover that your vehicle is missing.
alas, they have achieved just that in a
BE PREVENTED
relatively short space of time.
There are a number of ways to prevent
A BIZARRE ALTERNATIVE
HOW DO THEY DO IT?
known to store their key fob in their
The keyless access tactic usually involves
way is to buy a Faraday pouch that you
microwave – but this practice is . . . not
two villains, but if they first decide to this type of hacking – possibly the best Apparently, some people have been
put your key fob in when you carry
follow a new car to the shops, there may it around or store it while you’re not recommended!!
be more, who are in cell phone contact using it. The Faraday pouch has a shield
with each other. Once the vehicle is that blocks electromagnetic fields, and By the way, Faraday pouches are easy
parked, using a relay amplifier, the this would prevent the criminals from to buy online, through Takealot.com or
person near the vehicle captures the accessing the fob’s signal. amazon.com – and a host of other online
signal transmitted by the vehicle’s key stores. Give yourself the gift of super-
fob carried by the driver, as he or she A little less convenient but equally good, security this holiday season – make sure
walks away from it – the manufacturers is to use a steering wheel lock or gear your car is safe and remains where you left
have programmed the new model stick lock. it – buy your key fob protection today.
8 DPL issue 11 2022
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