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.
A Camera Catches Three Men at 1 A.M.
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 said he’d call police, one of the men threatened him with a gun, sending Smith retreating back inside to call 911.
Unaware of that earlier exchange, Linda Smith stepped outside 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 went back inside and locked the door.
Gone Before Police Arrived
San Jose police arrived roughly four minutes after the 911 call, but the suspects had already fled with the Corvette. The vehicle had recently had cosmetic updates done, including fresh paint and new wheels, and the owners described it as being in near-new condition.
How the Theft Likely Happened
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 has become increasingly common, particularly with newer vehicles that rely on wireless key fobs — criminals can intercept or replicate the signal from a fob left near a door or window, letting them gain access and drive off without ever triggering an alarm.
Experts recommend storing key fobs away from exterior doors, or inside signal-blocking containers designed to prevent electronic interception. Those measures can reduce the risk of unauthorized access, though they’re not foolproof.
A Property Crime That Turned Dangerous
The Smiths weren’t physically injured, but the incident left them shaken and underscored the emotional toll that violent theft can take. The suspects’ willingness to threaten deadly force turned what might otherwise have been a straightforward 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 hadn’t been recovered as of the latest update. Authorities are encouraging residents to report suspicious activity and review their own vehicle security practices as similar crimes continue rising across the region.