By Shawn Henry 
A San Jose couple narrowly avoided physical harm after thieves threatened them with gun violence while stealing their Chevrolet Corvette from their driveway early Tuesday morning, highlighting growing concerns over increasingly brazen car thefts.
Doug and Linda Smith were inside their Cambrian-area home when their garage-mounted security camera detected motion shortly after 1 a.m. The footage showed three men lingering near their 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z51 3LT, prompting Doug Smith to step outside to investigate. As he confronted the suspects and indicated he would contact police, one of the men threatened him with a gun, causing Smith to retreat inside and call 911.
Unaware of the earlier exchange, Linda Smith exited the home moments later to see what was happening. She shouted at the suspects to leave the property, but was met with a direct threat to shoot her. She immediately returned inside and locked the door.
San Jose police arrived approximately four minutes after receiving the emergency call, but the suspects had already fled with the Corvette. The vehicle had recently undergone cosmetic updates, including fresh paint and new wheels, and was described by the owners as being in near-new condition.
The Smiths believe the thieves used a key fob cloning device to unlock and start the vehicle without forcing entry. Security experts say this method of theft has become increasingly common, particularly in newer vehicles that rely on wireless key fobs. Criminals can intercept or replicate signals from fobs left near doors or windows, allowing them to gain access and drive away without triggering alarms.
Experts advise vehicle owners to store key fobs away from exterior doors or inside signal-blocking containers designed to prevent electronic interception. Such measures may reduce the risk of unauthorized access, though they are not foolproof.
While the Smiths were not physically injured, the incident left them shaken and underscored the emotional toll of violent theft. The suspects’ willingness to threaten deadly force escalated what might otherwise have been a property crime into a potentially lethal encounter.
San Jose police are continuing to investigate the theft and reviewing available surveillance footage. No arrests have been announced, and the stolen Corvette had not been recovered as of the latest update. Authorities encourage residents to report suspicious activity and review vehicle security practices as similar crimes continue to rise across the region.
John