Be careful when you’re inflating your tires: The new technique for car theft
Leaving your door open when you put air into your tires could leave you exposed. Here’s how one man saw his car stolen before his eyes
There’s no limit to thieves’ repertoire when it comes to car theft. Their imagination and audacity are growing all the time, assisted by new technology and sometimes, more traditional techniques. The United States has been the site of new strategies when it comes to theft.
“Caught on surveillance Video: Man has car stolen while pumping air in his BMW tires. Happened yesterday Jan 4th at the Exxon station,” states the description of a video posted on Instagram by user Arisley Pacheco.
“Be smart and stay vigilant”
The video lasts only a few seconds, but that was enough for the thieves: a man gets out of a car and crouches down, advancing towards the vehicle of another man who is inflating his right tire. The driver had left the car door open, and the thief takes the opportunity to get into the vehicle and drive away. The owner tries to prevent the robbery, but he’s unsuccessful.
“Beware of your surroundings at all times. Turn off your car and lock it while pumping gas, or putting air in your tires. Things happen faster than you think. Be smart and stay vigilant,” recommends the user who posted the video.
Robberies in seconds
The next video shows another technique that is becoming more common, also in the United States. Criminals position themselves near a key fob with an antenna to amplify its signal, which is then sent to a receptor located near the car. The automobile opens its doors, and they have an open road ahead of them.
To prevent this kind of falsification of signals, Faraday covers are very useful. They are bags that protect electromagnetic fields, and it name comes from physicist Michael Faraday, who invented a protective box in 1836.
Another useful tool is the AirTag, an apparatus the size of a coin that pairs with Apple phones. With an approximate price of $30, you won’t need anything else to find your car, keys, dog, or any other object or animal you want to keep an eye on. Right now you can find it at a 15% discount on Amazon.
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