[NEWS] Thieves stealing Toyota, Lexus vehicles using key fob 'relay', police warn
Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2019 1:43
Dozens of newer Toyota and Lexus vehicles are being stolen across Ontario with a simple trick that allows the thieves to just drive the vehicle away, CBC News reports.
To steal the vehicles, the thieves use an amplifier to boost the signal of the car’s key fob, assuming it’s within range of the vehicle. The signal is then captured, and the car can be driven without the fob nearby. More than 100 vehicles from across Canada have been stolen so far.
While Toyota and Lexus vehicles seem to be targeted most often, it’s likely any vehicle with a key fob could be broken into using this system.
Most of the stolen vehicles are destined for resale in Africa and the Middle East, explain authorities, which probably has more to do with why popular Toyota and Lexus vehicles are swiped most often.
Toyota has suggested owners put their key fob in a “Faraday pouch,” which shields the device from radio signals. Some owners have also resorted to putting their fobs in the microwave or the freezer.
Owners should also consider equipping more safeguards against the thefts, David Shum, Toyota spokesperson, said in an email to the CBC, such as an aftermarket alarm system, steering wheel lock and diagnostic-port lock.
Also, if it doesn’t go without saying, don’t leave your key fob near the front door where thieves can easily steal the signal.
Source : https://driving.ca/toyota/auto-news/new ... e-warn/amp
To steal the vehicles, the thieves use an amplifier to boost the signal of the car’s key fob, assuming it’s within range of the vehicle. The signal is then captured, and the car can be driven without the fob nearby. More than 100 vehicles from across Canada have been stolen so far.
While Toyota and Lexus vehicles seem to be targeted most often, it’s likely any vehicle with a key fob could be broken into using this system.
Most of the stolen vehicles are destined for resale in Africa and the Middle East, explain authorities, which probably has more to do with why popular Toyota and Lexus vehicles are swiped most often.
Toyota has suggested owners put their key fob in a “Faraday pouch,” which shields the device from radio signals. Some owners have also resorted to putting their fobs in the microwave or the freezer.
Owners should also consider equipping more safeguards against the thefts, David Shum, Toyota spokesperson, said in an email to the CBC, such as an aftermarket alarm system, steering wheel lock and diagnostic-port lock.
Also, if it doesn’t go without saying, don’t leave your key fob near the front door where thieves can easily steal the signal.
Source : https://driving.ca/toyota/auto-news/new ... e-warn/amp