Car remote ‘jamming’ has been around for a few years , but as automated locking systems have now become the norm – more criminals have taken an interest.
What exactly is ‘jamming’? It seems that a lot of us have developed the habit of casually walking away from our car, fully trusting the locking function of our remotes. We simply assume that if we’ve pressed the button – our car will be locked, without actually checking to make sure.
Criminals have caught on to this and have developed ways in which they can wirelessly block or scramble the locking function of your remote. So using various devices they are able to block certain radio frequencies, leaving your car unlocked as you walk away none the wiser. They can then simply walk up to your car as if it were their own, jump in and steal anything that you’ve left behind.
The types of devices that can be used, vary from things as simple as garage remotes, to more sophisticated devices that are able to broadcast more powerful signals at further ranges.
Most car remotes operate on fairly standard frequencies, meaning that the guess work – in terms of what frequency these criminals need to scramble – is fairly minimal.
Fortunately these devices are not able to unlock your car. They are only able to prevent your own remote from locking your vehicle.
Being aware of how this type of theft works, goes along way in being able to prevent it. Be aware of your surroundings when you park, be wary of any lurkers or suspicious looking activity and basically just make sure that your car is indeed locked before walking away!
Remember to be aware!
Content by www.womenonwheels.co.za