What's the news?
Gone in sixty seconds? More like forty-five. That is how long it is estimated it takes high-tech car thieves to make off with your pride and joy using a range of sophisticated electronic devices to bypass the car's security system.
Much like a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster, thieves are using these devices, which can be bought for as little as €3,000, to intercept the signal sent between key-fob and car giving them access to the vehicle. Some devices don't even go that far - they merely amplify the signal from the key making the car's security system think it is closer than it actually is.
Once inside the car, thieves access the on-board diagnostic port (OBD) and use it to encode a blank key. So prevalent is the technique that there are instructional videos available on YouTube.
Gardai are advising the use of old-fashioned techniques to defeat these high-tech criminals: "Do not leave your car keys on open show on hallway tables, etc. . . . and an old-fashioned heavy chain will help deter criminals."
If there is anything about this story we have not covered, you can avail of our expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.