Car Theft

[barry1010]

I have just watched a doorbell video of a car theft near me - it was a keyless car and took less than 10 seconds to relay the signal and drive off.

What happens when the car is parked up? How do they get it going again? How do they open the doors if the car is automatically locked?

[Barsel]

Oh I see.
I don't know how these things work and so I always put my car key somewhere safe in a tin.
If it goes missing along with my car, I'll come looking for you. :-)

[ToraToraTora]

bookbinder: "The car does not automatically unlock, barry. You have to press the unlock button on the fob. " - not true, the idea is that you don't have to get the key/card out.

[davebro]

//It could be fished out with a fishing line, though - that was happening a lot a while back//

I heard it happened - but a lot? Nah!

[ToraToraTora]

barry: "What happens if you have the fob (whatever it is called) in your pocket as you walk past the car to go for a walk? Does it automatically unlock? " - yes, as Clarkson once explained there is no way to check it's locked because when you try the door it's unlocked so you have to leave the card/key somewhere away from the car so that when you walk up to the car it is locked, that's the only way you can check. For someone with OCD tendencies like me that's just unacceptable.

[ToraToraTora]

gingebee: ""totally pointless and serves no purpose". I disagree, as I've said before.
Technology has moved on...more recent versions can't be copied. " - if it emits a signal, and they do, it can be copied. End of.

[davebro]

When I first got my car I thought it wouldn't lock cos I was pressing the lock button with my hand around the handle which then automatically unlocked it! Soon realised tho'

[Khandro]

Haven't read thro the thread, but if you have your car, e.g. New Range Rover or Jag etc in the front drive & you leave your keys on a hall table, there is a gadget which will activate the remote which will give access to the car outside.
Don't ask how it works, I dunno, but it does.

[bhg481]

I don't know if it's a feature of all manufacturers but on my Volvo keyless fob there is an extra button which you can use to check whether the car is locked. If you are within range it actually talks to the car; if you are out of range it tells you whether the lock or unlock function was the last one used on the fob either by a button of a push on the car door. To keep TTT happy, all the cars I've owned have had visible buttons on each window sill that drop out of sight when the door is locked, so you can check without pulling the handle.

[Barsel]

Khandro is that in reply to my question earlier when someone said it can't be done?

[gingejbee]

TTT...from What Car?.
"Some manufacturers use ultra-wide-band radio technology which transmits over a wide range of frequency channels so that thieves can't trace the code".
So, not quite "end of".

[Barsel]

TTT //Technology has moved on??
Not always in a better way imo.

[ToraToraTora]

bhg: "To keep TTT happy, all the cars I've owned have had visible buttons on each window sill that drop out of sight when the door is locked, so you can check without pulling the handle. " - crikey you are going back a bit now! I have 2004 Jag with no visible buttons, though my 1992 mercedes does have them.

[barry1010]

Has anyone come across a talking car alarm? Back in the late 1990s one was parked up in the street outside a bank - every time someone walked past this American voice said, 'You are too close to the car. Stand back. Stand back. The alarm will active in 30 seconds. Stand back.'
Some of the kids loved it and kept setting it off. Other people hated it - and when the owner came back to the car lots of people were standing alongside, but not touching the car. They told him in no uncertain terms that anyone can stand where they blerdy well liked on the pavement and his car alarm wasn't going to stop them.
It gave me a laugh, anyway.

I've only come across that sort of alarm once. If I remember correctly it was on a bog standard Escort with an XR3 badge.

[davebro]

Had that once in the works car park - probably some contractors supercar!

[Dagman]

You can buy a pouch called a faraday bag where you can keep your car keys overnight. Stops the signal from your keyless fob being copied while it's in there. I'm under the impression the thieves approach front doors to be close to the keys (where most are kept nearby) copy the key then nick the car. The bag will at least work during this time.

[davebro]

Dagman - been meaning to ask, is your avatar Count Arthur?
If so - excellent choice!

[Dagman]

Yes davebro, he's my hero! Been a fan for years, love the daft situations he creates. Saw him live just over a year ago before covid, the place was packed out and he was absolutely hilarious with a standing ovation :)