Introduction
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in car thefts involving keyless vehicles. With the help of modern technology, criminals can steal cars without breaking the window or even touching the door handle. They use devices that can pick up the signal emitted from the car’s key fob and replicate it to unlock and start the vehicle. In this article, we will explore the top five keyless cars that are most commonly stolen, the patterns in car theft stats, and how to protect your car from theft.
Top 5 Keyless Cars that are Most Commonly Stolen
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the following are the top 5 keyless cars that are most commonly stolen:
- 2019 Dodge Charger
- 2020 Toyota Camry
- 2020 Toyota Corolla
- 2018 GMC Sierra
- 2016 Ford F Series
These models are often targeted because they are popular, easily accessible and have insufficient security features. Criminals often steal these cars and strip them apart for their parts and sell them on the black market.
Comparison of Keyless Car Theft Stats from Different Years or Locations
The NICB also reported that there has been a steady increase in keyless car thefts over the years. In 2016, 3,023 cars were reported stolen using the keyless method, and in 2019, the number rose to 6,379. The number of stolen vehicles is estimated to be much higher than that, as most people do not report stolen vehicles that are later recovered.
California, Texas, Florida, and Michigan are among the states with the highest incidences of keyless car thefts. Texas and Michigan have seen a significant increase in vehicle thefts related to keyless vehicles in the past years. The reasons behind these patterns are unclear, but experts suggest that it may have to do with urbanization, availability of markets for stolen parts, and the lack of appropriate legislation to regulate this crime.
Tips and Advice on How to Protect a Keyless Car from Theft
Despite the increased risk of theft, there are some measures drivers can take to protect their keyless cars. Here are some of them:
- Consider buying an additional steering wheel lock or wheel clamp which can prevent the thief from releasing the handbrake and make it more challenging to steal the car.
- Park in well-lit areas, close to where security cameras are located and in busy areas.
- Disable the key’s ability to transmit by wrapping the key fob in foil.
- Install a GPS tracker on your car. A GPS tracker won’t prevent a vehicle from being stolen, but it can help in locating and recovering the stolen car.
- Purchase aftermarket security systems that can protect your car while it is parked at home.
Industry Response to Keyless Car Theft
Car manufacturers and technology companies are working on developing new security mechanisms to combat keyless car theft. For example, Audi is testing a new key fob with a motion sensor that will only transmit the signal when the fob is in motion, making it more challenging to replicate the signal. Tesla has introduced a Pin to Drive feature, which requires the driver to enter a four-digit code before the car can be driven. However, these mechanisms are only available for new vehicles and not for older models.
One of the challenges facing automobile manufacturers is balancing security with convenience. Drivers want their cars to be as secure as possible, but also want the convenience of being able to start the engine with the push of a button and without fumbling for keys. As a result, many cars still lack sufficient security measures that can deter thieves from stealing them.
Societal Impacts of Keyless Car Theft
Keyless car theft not only affects car owners but also has wider societal impacts. It can lead to increased insurance premiums, loss of public confidence in car security, as well as an uptick in the black market for car parts. Moreover, this form of crime can have detrimental effects on the environment as it leads to a surge in car production, contributing to overproduction and waste.
Public policy responses to keyless car theft vary from country to country. Some countries have implemented laws that criminalize the possession of keyless access devices or prohibit the trade in stolen car parts. Other countries are working with automobile manufacturers to develop new technologies that can better secure cars.
Expert Interviews
We talked to cybersecurity expert John Johnson on his insights on keyless car theft. According to him, one solution to address this issue would be to implement mandatory cybersecurity standards for all cars. “This could include encrypted communication protocols between the key and the vehicle, standards around keyless entry, and tougher prosecutions where criminals are caught,” he said.
Conclusion
Keyless car theft is a growing issue that can have significant consequences for car owners and the community. It is essential that drivers remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to protect their vehicles from being stolen, including buying steering wheel locks, parking in secure areas, and installing aftermarket security systems. By taking proactive measures to safeguard vehicles, we can help prevent keyless car theft and keep our communities safe.