Category: Car Theft

May 16

Surge in Car Thefts: A Disturbing Trend in Los Angeles

Growing Concern Over Vehicle Security

In a troubling trend, vehicle thefts have escalated significantly across various Los Angeles neighborhoods, especially in Panorama City. Recent incidents highlight a stark increase, with one notable case involving a Ford Explorer stolen while the owner was visiting the area. The vehicle was eventually recovered, stripped of valuable parts, underscoring the opportunistic nature of these crimes.

A man's sister had her SUV stolen while she was visiting - when they found it months later, it was stripped
A man’s sister had her SUV stolen while she was visiting – when they found it months later, it was strippedCredit: KTLA

Community Impact and Response

The impact on the community has been profound, with residents feeling increasingly vulnerable. Local authorities and residents like Jesus Barerra, whose sister’s car was stolen and later found stripped, express frustration over the rising thefts. Efforts to combat this issue include enhanced neighborhood watch efforts and increased police patrols, but the challenge persists.

Preventative Measures and Official Advice

In response to the surge, law enforcement and automotive experts are emphasizing the importance of preventive measures. These include parking in well-lit areas, installing advanced anti-theft systems, and never leaving valuables visible inside the car. Additionally, car owners are being urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately, as quick reporting increases the chances of recovering stolen vehicles.

May 01

SUV Stolen From Driveway

A Vehicle was stolen from its driveway last Sunday without using the vehicle’s ignition keys.

According to Police Captain Jim Feldman, on Tuesday around 9:20am officers responded to a call of a stolen vehicle on the 2200 block of Wesley Street. A 2016 white Chevy Tahoe belonging to a 30 year old female was stolen from the driveway on Sunday between 3 to 4:30pm.

The SUV’s keys were accounted for, while disappearance of the vehicle is still a mystery.

The vehicle was valued at $25,000 with no known suspects at this time. If you know anything about this case please contact Salina Police or Crime Stoppers at 785-825-TIPS.

Apr 21

Some Drivers Wrapping Their Key Fobs in Aluminum Foil for Safety

This bizarre practice might actually protect your car.

Here’s an intriguing puzzle: Some drivers are keeping a few pieces of aluminum foil by the front door. When they pull their car key fob out of their pocket, they wrap the foil around it and stow the entire thing on a shelf or counter for the night. No, the reflective layer isn’t to help them find their keys in the morning. This is a protective measure to keep their car from getting stolen.

Car thieves have developed a clever way to steal the most advanced cars. I’m talking about luxury models that have both keyless entry and keyless start, cars that only need you to have your key in your pocket to drive them away. Once thief waits by the car with a signal receiver/emitter. The other deploys an antenna by your door and captures the key fobs signal. By relaying the signals from both the key and the car, these two devices can make the vehicle think the key is nearby.

This car theft strategy is called a “relay attack.” While it’s been technically possible for years, the cost of the necessary equipment is going down while the range they can work at is going up. Worst of all, when thieves find a vulnerability in a certain make or model of car, they have been sharing it on social media. This results in certain “trending” vehicles being stolen.

Car thief looking through a window with a flashlight to prepare for a relay attack
Car thief | welcomia via iStockPhoto

So can wrapping your key fob in aluminum wrap…foil the thieves?

Puns aside, it could potentially work. Some experts I’ve read say you’ll really need multiple sheets of aluminum foil. And even then, all you’re doing is weakening the signal. But there are alternative methods that are a better bet.

Shutting down your car’s keyless entry feature–either for the night or indefinitely–is a sure way to thwart a relay attack. Note that if you have a key fob that requires you click a button to unlock your car, the relay attack won’t work.

If your automaker won’t let you disable this feature, the simplest solution is to move your key fob away from the door. But remember to move your spares as well. And finally, you can keep your key fob in a specially-build “”RFID blocker” pouch or box.

Next, read about the ‘Kia Boys’ who are showing TikTok users how to steal cars, or see a relay theft for yourself learn some ways to protect your keyless entry car in the video embedded below:

Jan 18

Teen arrested in stolen SUV with vehicle theft tools, Metro police say

A teenager was taken into custody Wednesday night after Nashville authorities reportedly saw him driving a stolen car and found vehicle theft tools in his possession.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, 19-year-old Nicholas Dalton was spotted behind the wheel of a stolen Dodge Durango, with the rear passenger window busted out, on 61st Avenue North at New York Avenue.

Dalton was arrested by Vehicle Crimes detectives when he got out of the SUV nearby, officials said. In addition, law enforcement found a key fob programmer, 12 key fobs, two temporary tags, a window breaker, and a screwdriver inside the backpack he was carrying.

Authorities said Dalton was charged with felony theft, misdemeanor possession of fob programming equipment with intent to commit theft, and misdemeanor driving on a suspended license. As of Thursday, Jan. 18, he is being held on a $22,500 bond.

Oct 18

14-Year-Old Arrested After Joyride in Stolen Nissan Rogue from Nashville Fairgrounds

Teenager Arrested for Joyride in Stolen SUV

Late Tuesday night, Nashville police arrested a 14-year-old who had been driving a stolen Nissan Rogue SUV around the city. The vehicle, which had been taken from the Nashville Fairgrounds, was discovered being driven by the young suspect after a series of alarming incidents. The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about vehicle theft and juvenile delinquency in the area.

Investigation and Community Impact

Detectives from the Vehicle Crimes unit quickly responded to the situation, tracking down the SUV and apprehending the teenager without further incident. This case underscores the broader issue of stolen vehicles being used in crimes, affecting community safety and property security. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant vehicle security and community awareness to prevent such crimes.

Aug 19

Two Men Snatch Motorist Out of SUV During Carjacking in San Diego

Two men snatched a 22-year-old motorist from an SUV Saturday while the vehicle was stopped in the Grantville community of San Diego, authorities said.

The carjacking occurred about 4:45 a.m. in the area of Twain Avenue and Mission Gorge Road, where the vehicle had stopped and one of two suspects struck the 22-year-old man with a handgun, the San Diego Police Department reported.

The suspects got into the white Nissan Murano and drove away southbound on Mission Gorge Road.

“The victim told officers the vehicle belonged to a friend and he could not provide the vehicle license plate information,” according to a police statement.

Paramedics transported the 22-year-old man, with minor injuries, to a hospital.

Jul 21

Top Anti-Theft Devices to Protect Your Car from Modern Thieves

Evolving Anti-Theft Solutions

In today’s world, traditional car anti-theft devices, whether they cost as little as $12 or up to $50, often fall short against determined criminals. As technology advances, so do the methods used by thieves to bypass security systems. Fortunately, newer anti-theft solutions are emerging to better safeguard your vehicle from these evolving threats.

Cutting-Edge Protection Technologies

Among the most effective modern anti-theft devices are kill switches, GPS tracking systems, and geofencing trackers. A kill switch can disable your car’s ignition, rendering it immobile if tampered with. GPS and geofencing trackers offer real-time location tracking and alerts if your vehicle moves beyond designated areas, significantly increasing the chances of recovery in the event of theft. Integrating these advanced technologies provides a comprehensive defense against theft, offering peace of mind for vehicle owners.

Jul 20

Dashcam video shows stolen vehicle crashing on East Beltline, raising concerns over rising car thefts in Kent County

KENT COUNTY, Mich. — Dashcam video from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office shows a stolen SUV crashing into another vehicle on East Beltline and Burton. Five people can be seen running from the scene. Police arrested three teenagers, and two are still at large.

A loaded handgun was found on one of the teens arrested.

The driver of the other vehicle, a 25-year-old man from Grand Rapids, is expected to be released from the hospital.

The sheriff’s office has confirmed that the SUV was stolen from a neighborhood off of Village Springs DR SE in Ada around 6:30 Thursday morning, after the owner had left the keys inside the vehicle.

According to police, car thefts are becoming more common not just in Grand Rapids, but in Kent County as well.

As of June this year 615 vehicle thefts have taken place in Grand Rapids alone, almost 100 more than this time last year. 187 thefts have occurred in the rest of Kent County this year.
In Kent County last year 358 vehicle thefts took place, compared to just 139 back in 2019.
Sergeant Eric Brunner from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office says when a vehicle is stolen, they are concerned for what can follow.

“That vehicle was spotted near the parking lot of a planet fitness and the East beltline and 28th Street area, which is a concern because as we’ve seen over time, the stolen vehicles are often used in shootings, larceny from vehicles in fitness center parking lots, and sometimes those people those suspects can be armed.”

Kias and Hyundais have been the most vulnerable to theft, with GRPD saying there have been 363 Kia and Hyundai thefts and attempted thefts this year, with 765 taking place in 2022. Kent County Sheriff’s Office says are continuing to curb these thefts and bring resolution to the many victims of these crimes.

Car theft is a crime of opportunity, and be best prevented by locking your doors, taking keys and valuables inside, and also using a steering wheel lock for drivers of Kias and Hyundais.

Dashcam video shows a stolen SUV crashing into another vehicle, and five young people running away from the scene.

Jul 20

Good Samaritan’s vehicle stolen after stopping to help driver in crash

A good Samaritan’s vehicle was stolen after stopping to help the driver involved in a wreck on Madison’s south side, according to the Madison Police Department.

MPD investigators believe a passenger in the rental truck that crashed into a parked car took off in the stolen vehicle.

The good Samaritan was one of several who stopped to help after seeing a box rental truck crash into a parked car, MPD says.

The crash happened around 7:25 p.m. on Waunona Woods Ct.

Responders revived the truck driver with Narcan. He was arrested for second-offense OWI, and possession of cocaine and fentanyl.

MPD continued to say the stolen vehicle has not been found.

Jul 20

Thief Nabbed By South Hackensack Officer After Crashing Stolen SUV Outside Bergen Courthouse

Officer Damian Colon was on patrol when he spotted a 2016 Honda SUV reported stolen out of Newark heading down Green Street at 1:15 a.m. Thursday, July 20, Detective Sean Bannon said.

Colon tried to pull the driver over, the detective said. but he hit the gas instead.

A short time later, the SUV careened across the sidewalk and crashed into a handicapped parking sign at 1 Bergen Plaza, Bannon said.

The driver — Angel Quinones of Newark — got out and tried to run, but Colon quickly chased him down in front of the courthouse, the detective said.

Hackensack police and Bergen County sheriff’s officers assisted, Bannon said, thanking them on behalf of his department.

Besides the stolen car, Quinones had a wallet, credit cards and a retired law enforcement card taken from another vehicle.

He was first sent to Hackensack University Medical Center for an evaluation of possible injuries from the crash.

Then he was booked into the Bergen County Jail to await a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack on charges of receiving stolen property, resisting arrest, eluding and possession of paraphernalia and a small amount of crack.