In this modern time where most cars have keyless entry and ignition, people have gotten a little lazy. Hopefully you’re not one of those individuals who leave their key fob in the cupholder constantly, which is basically an open invitation to steal your vehicle. Even if you don’t, key cloning is a big problem, which is how some thieves in Dudley, UK boosted a Porsche Panamera recently.
Thief steals Camaro during test drive.
If you don’t know what key cloning is, that’s okay. Without getting too technical, it’s when a thief will capture the signal that’s sent out by your key fob at any given time. Using an advanced device locksmiths own, it then will program a blank fob exactly the same as the one that works on your vehicle.
In other words, they don’t have to hotwire the ignition or even break a window to open the door. With a cloned fob, thieves can walk up, open your car, start the engine, and be gone with ease.
As detailed by Birmingham Live, that’s how the owner of this Porsche lost it. Thankfully, the police spotted the vehicle and proceeded to give chase. UK police vehicles are generally pretty gutless, especially compared to a Panamera, but they were able to keep up well enough.
Eventually, the thief drove into a parking lot and abandoned the stolen car, running off into a canal in an attempt to get away. However, that didn’t work as well as cloning the key fob did.
Preventing the cloning of your key requires vigilance. You need to stop the signal from transmitting to where thieves can capture it. One favorite trick is for criminals to stand right outside your home, usually by one of the doors, where they’re close enough toe your keys hanging on the wall or sitting on a table.
To guard against that, we recommend investing in a Faraday cage. There are many options for sale online and they’re generally not too expensive. The simple device blocks the fob signal, just you have to remember to drop your keys in there.
Image via West Midlands Police
