(KTLA) — Law enforcement in Southern California is calling a new high-tech way of stealing luxury vehicles an alarming trend that’s become increasingly popular among thieves.
An Anaheim Hills resident who did not want to be identified experienced one of these high-tech heists on Nov. 12, telling NewsNation affiliate KTLA that one of the suspects came right up to the family’s front door and appeared as if he was going to try and break into the home.
That’s not what the thief did, though.
Instead, the suspect held up an antenna-like tool over his head while in proximity to the house. The device was being used to amplify and intercept the signal from the key fob to the homeowner’s vehicle.
“They got the signal from the car, started it and took off,” he said. “My keys were in the kitchen. It’s not like they were at the front door. Who would’ve thought someone would come with an antenna and take your car away from you?”
A similar incident occurred just days later in Lake Forest, approximately 23 miles away.
In that instance, home surveillance cameras captured a masked man holding the same kind of signal-intercepting tool. Moments later, the camera audio picks up the sound of a car engine starting, and the thieves speed off with yet another high-end keyless vehicle.
Anaheim Police Department Sgt. Matt Sutter told KTLA that detectives are investigating at least two other similar thefts that occurred over the weekend.
“The other way we’ve seen is they have a tablet, an electronic device,” he said. “They force entry into your car, either break the window or force the door handle. They get in, plug into the car’s computer system, reprogram it, start it up and just drive away.”
Sutter suggested that the first step people can take to protect their vehicles from getting stolen in this manner is to not leave the car keys near the front door.
“Some people walk into their home, and they put their keys down on a table or a hook on the wall. That signal is very close to the antenna they are trying to use,” he explained. “So, perhaps, if you put your key farther back in the house, that might weaken the signal.”
There are also more advanced methods of protection, like Faraday bags, which are made from layers of metallic materials like copper and aluminum that prevent electromagnetic signals from entering or exiting the bag.
Finally, Sutter suggested keeping vehicles in a closed garage, if one is available.
So far, no arrests have been made in any of the recent high-tech thefts in Orange County.