Gadget News

Tens of thousands of cars are being stolen or broken into every year by thieves using electronic hacking equipment, a Sky News investigation has found. Last year half of all car thefts and vehicle break-ins in London alone were carried out without the use of force, according to the Metropolitan Police. Instead criminals are believed to have used hi-tech devices originally designed for locksmiths to gain access to vehicles. Commonly, the thieves use easily obtainable equipment that can intercept the signals from key fobs to get into cars or that plug into a car's on-board computers remotely. 

Modern cars contain about 50 low-powered computers which criminals have learnt to take advantage of to steal vehicles in as little as 10 seconds without causing any damage. Sky News has established that the devices can be bought cheaply online, from websites based mainly in Bulgaria. Video tutorials posted online can teach criminals how to gain access to popular models.

Tens of thousands of cars are being stolen or broken into every year by thieves using electronic hacking equipment, a Sky News investigation has found. Last year half of all car thefts and vehicle break-ins in London alone were carried out without the use of force, according to the Metropolitan Police. Instead criminals are believed to have used hi-tech devices originally designed for locksmiths to gain access to vehicles. Commonly, the thieves use easily obtainable equipment that can intercept the signals from key fobs to get into cars or that plug into a car's on-board computers remotely. Modern cars contain about 50 low-powered computers which criminals have learnt to take advantage of to steal vehicles in as little as 10 seconds without causing any damage.

 Sky News has established that the devices can be bought cheaply online, from websites based mainly in Bulgaria. Video tutorials posted online can teach criminals how to gain access to popular models. The problem was first exposed several years ago in certain models. But now police are warning that all modern makes are potentially vulnerable. And for the first time, the Met has disclosed the growing nature of the threat. About 21,000 cars were stolen in the capital last year, according to the latest figures. A further 68,000 were broken into. "Recent analysis of crime data suggests that almost half the total number of vehicles stolen in London are taken using this method, which can affect all manufacturers," the force said in a statement to Sky News. "High-end vehicles are becoming more and more sophisticated. In turn so are criminals. "

Some organised criminals have access to technology that avoids the need to (physically break in). Vehicles are becoming more technologically advanced and the criminals are becoming more savvy towards that technology and they will develop." The Met said it was working with manufacturers to protect drivers from having their cars stolen or broken into. Car crime has fallen in recent years as manufacturers create even more secure vehicles. But in countries closer to Bulgaria, like Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands, the crime rate has started to rise after years of decrease.We have every reason to believe that other European countries will be following suit this year and next," Mike Parris, head of the secure car division at SBD security, told Sky News. "It is getting worse," he added. "The tools are becoming much more readily available. The price of them is falling. And they're operating much more quickly - you can re-program a key in a matter of seconds. "All vehicle manufacturers are aware of the problem. It's fair to say some are doing more than others. "Car manufacturers are acutely aware of the need to constantly make their vehicles more secure because they know criminals will adapt and develop." The Met advises car owners to leave their cars in well-lit areas, to consider using steering, gear shift and pedal locks, as well as tracking devices. One website found to be selling the devices did not respond to a request to comment from Sky News. Its homepage says: "All devices are sold for official use only!!! If you use them for any illegal purposes, this is your own responsibility!!!"

This week our inboxes filled up faster than a tummy at an all-you-can-eat crab leg buffet. The theme that emerged from this week’s plethora of product press releases was “everything old is new again.” From the stunning leather-and-canvas bike bag from the talented folks at Tanner Goods to the retro speaker from Veho, it seems our fascination with yesteryear and retro continues unabated. May your thoughts of relaxing in a cushy easy chair, whittling away with your new table knife while listening to Jack White’s new Ultra LP, helps you get through the weekend. tate police chief warns that carjackers use the ‘innovative’ device to start cars they intend to steal KUCHING: Be careful when you see an innocent-looking device comprising a piece of wire with one end clipped to two ‘modified’ spark plugs and the other holding a small ‘hanger’. The device looks harmless, but carjackers are using it to start engines in order to steal the vehicles! State police chief Datuk Wira Muhammad Sabtu Osman raised the alarm yesterday and urged car owners to take precautionary measures to protect their vehicles. “We have confiscated the device and all district police chiefs have been alerted on this. They have been instructed to detain those found to have this device when they come across it,” he said after officiating at the Police Day Jogathon, which was held in conjunction with the 207th Police Day at Le’Park here.

 The confiscated device used by carjackers to steal vehicles. Sabtu said preliminary investigation indicated that only individuals, not syndicates, were using this device. He also advised car drivers not to leave their bags on the passenger seat unattended as it would attract the attention of thieves. “Since thieves nowadays are resorting to break the glass to steal valuables, I would like to recommend car owners to tint their car with approved protective film so that when the glass is hit it will not crumble easily.” On car thefts in the city, he said police had detained a few suspects and they would probably be charged in court after investigations are completed. “We received tip-offs from the public (from time to time) and they too assisted us in arresting the culprits. That is why the public are very important to us.” Overall, he said the crime rate in the city had shown a significant reduction of 22 per cent compared to the same period last year. “The motorcycle patrol unit has played a very effective role in helping to prevent crime. We will increase the presence of the unit.” http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/05/12/simple-gadget-used-to-steal-cars/#ixzz31UJbiemV