We have had two examples in the area in the last month (one in the Pines this week) where intruders have tried to steal cars using scanners to capture the signal from keyless car fobs.
This time last year, we had a similar attempt that was caught on video (shared with Gardaí) and I thought that it would be useful to share some visuals on how fast this can occur. I have put together screenshots that illustrate the process which will hopefully help explain how this occurs.
The attempt, while unsuccessful on this occasion did manage to open the car and it was all over in less than 2 minutes.
Intruder arrives on bicycle and walks in with backpack 3.30am 
Places backpack (receiver) in front window to pick up signal from key fob (ignores security light) 
Uses handheld scanner to open car – 8 seconds after arrival 
Unplugs electric charger – can see scanning device in left hand 
Gets into car to try to start (unsuccessful) – expect signal not strong enough (within 30 seconds) 
Moves backpack to another window on house to try to get better signal 
Tries to start car again – still fails – locks car with scanner 
Plugs back in charger to car – can see scanner in hand 
Leaves with backpack – total time 1min 47 seconds
If you do have a keyless fob for your car (many modern cars have them) you can prevent the signal from being broadcast by keeping the key in a metal box or a pouch – known as a Faraday box / pouch – and they are available for around €20 online. Sample picture below.
As the evenings and the nights get longer, the opportunities for burglars are greater. Not that we are going far but make sure that you light up the house if you are heading out and put on your alarm when you are in for the night.
Stay safe.
Pines, Hadleigh & Beechpark Neighbourhood Watch 
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