Crooks Remotely Pinging Key Fobs To Open, Steal Cars: Bethel PD

BETHEL, CT — Police are warning residents that thieves are using "signal boosters" to steal locked vehicles while the key fobs are inside residences.

Electronic key fobs are actually short-range transmitters which send a coded radio wave signal 15 to 60 feet to lock or unlock a vehicle. But the "codes" have never been a deep secret, and now signal boosters are allowing the hacker-thieves to break the manufacturer's distance limit.

The Bethel PD is recommending residents store their keyless remotes inside Faraday boxes or Faraday bags designed to block radio frequencies. They can be found on Amazon, and some are quite stylish.

Alternately, wary motorists can store their keyless remotes in their home as far as possible from where they parked their cars and hope that the signal boosting tech doesn't catch up anytime soon.

Another solution is to wrap your remote in tin-foil. Found in every home, it may be ineffective versus government mind control beams, but it works just dandy against RF signal boosters. The police suggest testing your home-brew Faraday wrapping by attempting to lock or unlock your car with the fob while it is in the foil. If it doesn't work for you, it won't work for the crooks.