Is it possible car thieves used software to open car?

p to the e

Last week, my mam left the house (in Cabra) to find that all the items in the front of her car were pulled apart and messed up. She also noticed that the car wasn't locked and she always locks it. I would have put it down to her forgetting to lock the car but it turns out that my sister, who lives nearby, and several other people in the area reported the same thing. A crime-wave!!!

All of them said the car was gone through very quickly, the car wasn't locked when they went out in the morning and they didn't hear a thing. Is it possible that certain models can be opened remotely or was there some other precautions she could have taken? Can't believe the old steering wheel lock might make a comeback.

DublinWriter

Yes, I won't mention the software/hardware combination, but it's completely possible.

limericklad87

keyless by any chance


http://www.thedrive.com/watch-this/16435/watch-thieves-steal-this-mercedes-by-hacking-its-keyless-start-system

p to the e

it's not keyless but it's new enough. A '14 Fiesta I think. My mam reported it but the guards didn't seem too interested. Probably thought the same as me, that she just didn't lock it.

In my research I came across the following video for anyone interested:

kennethsmyth

Check the wiring going into both doors, sometimes the toe rags use a hacksaw blade to cut the wiring in the hope to shorting the door lock to open (if so you will have to replace the door wiring harness or get a good indie to solder and resleave the wires.

p to the e

kennethsmyth wrote: »

Check the wiring going into both doors, sometimes the toe rags use a hacksaw blade to cut the wiring in the hope to shorting the door lock to open (if so you will have to replace the door wiring harness or get a good indie to solder and resleave the wires.

Thanks I'll have a gander. I don't think she's had trouble locking the door since but worth a check.

Philb76

kennethsmyth wrote: »

Check the wiring going into both doors, sometimes the toe rags use a hacksaw blade to cut the wiring in the hope to shorting the door lock to open (if so you will have to replace the door wiring harness or get a good indie to solder and resleave the wires.

Thieves did this to my neighbours car

Spook_ie

limericklad87 wrote: »

keyless by any chance


http://www.thedrive.com/watch-this/16435/watch-thieves-steal-this-mercedes-by-hacking-its-keyless-start-system

Wouldn't have to be keyless, remote central locking would be just as simple ( if not easier ) to hack

Limbo123

Go in to Halfords and buy a couple of signal blocking pouches (1 for each key). Costs about a tenner each. Only keep the car key in there as you can damage the lining of the pouch if you stick a set of keys in. You can also purchase these online from Amazon etc but will have to wait for delivery.

These buggers are using relays to boost the signals from your key to be inside your house

punisher5112

GF Yaris 2002 with after market alarm had same happen in Dublin city.

They were good enough to lick the car after and again only sign of break in was more stuff then usual was thrown around and glove box open.

listermint

There's also the chance..... She didn't actually lock it.

People aren't machines they can make mistakes

Limbo123

Go in to Halfords and buy a couple of signal blocking pouches (1 for each key). Costs about a tenner each. Only keep the car key in there as you can damage the lining of the pouch if you stick a set of keys in. You can also purchase these online from Amazon etc but will have to wait for delivery.

These buggers are using relays to boost the signals from your key fob inside your house to open the vehicle. Surprised they are then not going on to steal the vehicle as it is pretty easy once you have unlocked the vehicle.

Invest in a disklok. Goggle disklok. Can be bought in Halfords And also direct from disklok online.

Also the fiesta alarm is a joke and there are various specific blackspots within the car. Invest in a decent aftermarket alarm (clifford 330 or even better- the 650 with blackjax) with proximity sensors to further protect the vehicle.

Good luck

Spook_ie

Limbo123 wrote: »

Go in to Halfords and buy a couple of signal blocking pouches (1 for each key). Costs about a tenner each. Only keep the car key in there as you can damage the lining of the pouch if you stick a set of keys in. You can also purchase these online from Amazon etc but will have to wait for delivery.

These buggers are using relays to boost the signals from your key to be inside your house

Any tin will do the same trick, missus got a Xmas present of some small tins of Vaseline for lips all done up in a larger gift tin, takes the keys as a bunch no problem.

OldMrBrennan83

I leave my keys in the microwave at night. I'm not sure if it actually works but I heard once that it did.

Wibbs

Patww79 wrote: »

I leave my keys in the microwave at night. I'm not sure if it actually works but I heard once that it did.

My mate did this until one night he put the key in the microwave and closed the door, only for the microwave to start as his missus had taken the food she was cooking out before the cycle had ended... He subsequently found out that BMW keys aren't cheap. :D

From what I recall P microwave ovens might reduce the signal, but they don't cut it off. Stick your mobile into one and try ringing it. It'll ring. Do the same with a tea caddy tin and it won't(the tea caddy is the better faraday cage). Microwaves probably work more because most kitchens are at the back of the house furthest away from the front and the car and the scum with the scanners?

martingriff

listermint wrote: »

There's also the chance..... She didn't actually lock it.

People aren't machines they can make mistakes

She may even have locked it but in the action of putting away keys hit the unlock by mistake very easy to do and keys now have some range.

A sickener to happen

tossy

martingriff wrote: »

She may even have locked it but in the action of putting away keys hit the unlock by mistake very easy to do and keys now have some range.

A sickener to happen

Car would lock itself again after a set time when doors weren't physically opened.

p to the e

I would have thought that she unlocked it by mistake but as I said several people in the area reported the same thing. Personally I'd advise to never leave anything valuable in your car even if it's in your front garden.

punisher5112

Years ago they would take off side indicator and short the cables, they have much better methods these days.

Sure recently was in a Garda station and was talking to a guy who had just been in a fight with the person he found inside his e class 2014. The guy had it unlocked with no damage and he was going through it for anything he could take.

He produced a knife and eventually just walked off.

They can open cars no problem.

martingriff

tossy wrote: »

Car would lock itself again after a set time when doors weren't physically opened.

Oh ya forgot that

zg3409

In a nearby estate 13 cars in one night were ransacked. Common thing amongst all cars, every one was unlocked. Often people leave car unlocked, and back doors of houses. Thieves just try the handles, sometimes it is very low tech. Often parents with kids cannot lock until everyone is out and all doors are closed, which means remote needs to be pressed when in house. My sister left the keys in the ignition recently and was totally unaware. Thieves also smash window if anything on show when parked on street for example a coat on back seat that may have cash in pocket.