New $5 device easily unlocks car doors for thieves

[razz]

Isn't technology wonderful?
Link:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/new-5-device-easily-unlocks-car-doors-for-thieves-in-winnipeg-1.2288826

The new device can be purchased online for about $5 and sends an electromagnetic pulse through a car’s key area to unlock the vehicle.

Winnipegger Rick Henzel had no idea the technology existed, until his car was broken into early Sunday morning.

“We did find the glove box open, insurance papers stolen,” said Henzel.

At first, he thought his wife had left the doors unlocked, but a neighbour told him he had phoned the police early that morning when he heard noise outside.

Luckily, the whole thing was caught on tape. Henzel had installed security cameras on his property about a year ago when his car was broken into previously.

“They come running up into the screen. It’s a free for all,” he said. “They’re in that car as well and away they go. Just like that.”

Thieves can be seen applying a device to a car and then opening the door as if it is unlocked.

“It makes you feel a bit vulnerable to be honest with you because you feel like a victim,” said Henzel.

[Tussiemussies]

Thanks Razz for posting about this, I shared this others too...

[MaryHu]

Ah the joys of owning an older car that still uses a metal key in a mechanical lock. (yes I know they can still be jimmied)

[bae]

It takes less than a second to pop a car window with a pointy bit of metal.

(I loved extrication class...)

[ToomuchStuff]

You have only EVER been as safe, as people are honest. Bump keys, slim jims, sharp metal objects, garage door openers, etc. etc.

Quite honestly, the video poster was lucky he found the glove box open, or he may not have checked the video and might have recorded over it.

[ApatheticNoMore]

How about you are as safe as your car is not worth stealing. I've always lived by that. Then add a few minor impediments to the fact the car isn't worth much anyway.

Though my dad drove a car we used to make fun of it was such a beater, oh my heavens it was a beater, ancient car with a bad paint job. The theives stole it and used it as their car to drive around to steal other cars because it was inconspicious. Noone could believe anyone would actually steal that car! It was found with all the tools of the trade (that trade being car theft) left in it. :(

[bae]

I don't know, ANM. I had my 1967 Datsun 510 station wagon stolen. In 1987. A 20-year old beat-up Datsun, with nothing in it and 200k+ miles on the odometer.

They brought it back a week later, and dumped it in the same parking lot it had been stolen from, to add insult to injury. Guess they decided it was as junky as it looked. (It wasn't really, it was in truth an awesome vehicle.)

Perhaps they swiped it to be a getaway/crime spree car like your Dad's - that explains so much :-)