Tipp of the Week-Another stolen car

Hello, Tipp City! Marc the Cop here, 

This week, while visiting a good friend who is "still on the job," I learned that his neighbor had their Dodge Challenger stolen! I have to say, now more than ever, we need to be vigilant and practice the 9 pm Routine.  

Across Ohio and around the country, police departments are continuing to warn drivers about a growing type of vehicle theft involving electronic key fobs. 

Owners of high-performance vehicles such as the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger have been especially targeted, but nearly any newer vehicle with push-button start technology can be vulnerable. Criminals are using inexpensive electronic devices to capture or relay the signal from a key fob, allowing them to unlock and even start a vehicle without ever possessing the actual keys.

• One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself is by properly storing your key fobs when they are not in use. Many drivers routinely toss their keys on a kitchen counter near the front door, hang them by the garage entrance, or leave them in plain sight inside the home. Unfortunately, that convenience can also make things easier for thieves.

• A common method used by criminals is called a "relay attack." In this type of theft, one thief stands near the vehicle while another stands close to the home, carrying a signal-amplification device. The device searches for the electronic signal coming from the key fob inside the house. Once detected, it relays the signal to the person near the vehicle, tricking the car into believing the key is nearby. In a matter of seconds, the vehicle can be unlocked and driven away, often without any broken glass or visible signs of forced entry.

• That is where Faraday bags, sometimes mistakenly called "verity bags," become important. A Faraday bag is a small pouch lined with conductive material that blocks radio-frequency signals. When the key fob is placed inside and the bag is sealed properly, the signal cannot escape. This prevents thieves from electronically "finding" the key from outside the home.

• These signal-blocking bags are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased online or at many automotive and electronics retailers. Some families keep one by the door specifically for their daily-use keys, while others store all spare key fobs inside a larger Faraday box or pouch. The key point is consistency. A Faraday bag only works if the key is actually inside it whenever the vehicle is parked.

• Drivers should also test the bag periodically. Batteries wear down, and materials can become damaged over time. An easy test is to place the key inside the bag, stand next to the vehicle, and attempt to unlock the doors or start the engine. If the vehicle responds, the bag is no longer fully blocking the signal and should be replaced.

• Experts also recommend keeping keys farther away from exterior walls and doors. Even without sophisticated equipment, storing a key right beside the front entrance gives criminals a stronger chance of capturing the signal. Moving keys to a central room within the house adds another layer of protection.

• Owners of muscle cars and high-value SUVs should take additional precautions. Many theft rings specifically target vehicles known for powerful engines or valuable parts. Parking inside a locked garage is still one of the best defenses. Steering wheel locks, security cameras, motion lights, and aftermarket tracking devices can also deter thieves seeking an easy target.

• Another important step is checking whether your vehicle manufacturer offers software updates or enhanced security settings. Some newer systems allow owners to turn off passive entry features or place the key fob into "sleep mode" when not moving. Reading the owner's manual or contacting the dealership can reveal features many drivers never knew existed.

• It is also wise to never leave spare key fobs inside the vehicle itself. Some drivers hide a spare in the glove box or center console for emergencies, but experienced thieves know exactly where to look. A spare key inside the car defeats many other security measures.

Vehicle theft today often looks far different than the old image of a smashed window and crossed ignition wires. Modern criminals are increasingly using technology to quietly steal vehicles in neighborhoods, apartment complexes, hotel parking lots, and even private driveways. Taking a few simple precautions with your key fob can greatly reduce the chances of becoming a victim.

As summer travel and cruise-in season begin across the Miami Valley, now is a good time for motorists to review their vehicle security habits. A small protective pouch may not seem important, but it can make the difference between waking up to your car safely in the driveway or discovering it missing before sunrise.

Don't forget the 9 pm routine! The 9 pm routine is a nightly reminder for residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, secure their residences, turn on exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems. Pick up your 9 pm Reminder magnet at the Tipp City Police Department during regular business hours, while supplies last.

I'll see you in church on Sunday!

Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)

Do you have a suggestion for the Tip of the Week? Your input is valuable to us. You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com!

The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.