The Burbank Police Department (California) on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 announced that the police department has seen an increase in “Key Cloner” vehicle thefts. Therefore, it is likely that “Key Cloner” are prevalent or on the rise in other areas of the United States, such as Chicagoland.
Most newer vehicles sold today are enabled with keyless and remote ignition. While operating a keyless ignition key fob, the owner of the vehicle simply needs to have their key fob close to their vehicle to unlock and start their vehicle.
Thieves are taking advantage of this keyless technology by using an aftermarket device, about the size of a cellphone or tablet, to remotely scan for a key fob radio signal and quickly create a cloned key. For example, a key fob could be sitting on a night stand in a front bedroom near a driveway of a home, and thieves could pickup up the signal from the victim’s key fob to clone their own blank key fob. Next, thieves use their own newly-programmed key fob to unlock the targeted vehicle, start the ignition and drive away with the victim’s car. Bold thieves could walk around to the backyard and try to pickup a signal from a key fob placed in a rear bedroom or kitchen near the back of the house.
Another method requires entering an unlocked vehicle or smashing a window and climbing through the window opening. This method uses a detection device that can plug in underneath the dashboard to the vehicle’s OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port, and can download the vehicle’s key fob security data. Next, thieves use the downloaded data and then program their own key fob, start up the car with the keyless ignition feature of the key fob, and drive away.
The Burbank Police Department provided their local community with tips to be aware of this recent trend, and is providing the following tips to help prevent and deter vehicle thefts:
• When home, park your vehicle behind a gate or inside of a garage, if possible.
• Consider installing motion-sensing lights and video surveillance cameras where you park.
• When not in use, consider storing your key fob in a Faraday pouch or signal blocking box.
• Utilize a traditional steering wheel lock or similar locking device.
• Purchase an aftermarket low-cost GPS tracking device, like Apple AirTag, Tile, or similar
to conceal in your vehicle. Thieves often disable the vehicle manufacturer’s factory installed tracking system.kedlkjdldddd.
• Contact the dealership to see if your vehicle may be eligible for a security software update.
Amazon search for Apple Air Tag
Amazon Search for Steering Wheel Lock
Amazon Search for faraday box for key fob
Unfortunately, many people leave their key fobs in their vehicles, or they think their vehicle is safe in the garage with the key fob inside the vehicle in the garage. If thieves break into the garage, they can easily and quickly steal the vehicle if the key fob is already there.
If you see a crime in progress or anything that appears to be suspicious, report it immediately to your police department, dial 9-1-1.
^^ MOBILE? USE VOICE MIC ^^
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