Thieves are Using Signal Amplification Relay Devices to Steal Cars

As technology evolves to protect cars from thieves, the technology they are using to steal them evolves as well. Today, thieves are using Signal Amplification Relay Attacks (SARA) to steal late model cars with surprising ease. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Signal Amplification Relay Attack?

With these types of attacks, thieves work in tandem with one getting close to the car owner with a signal booster that amplifies the distance of the key fob, as far as 1,000 feet away, to another thief who unlocks the car and drives off.

The true downside of this is that the equipment required to overcome these costly security features in cars costs less than $20 in most cases making it frighteningly simple to do. And highly profitable for thieves who make a minimal investment in equipment.

How Can Car Owners Prevent SARA Thefts?

In cases like this prevention is the best cure. While there is no such thing as a theft-proof car, there are things you can do that make your car less attractive to thieves, or a little more difficult for them to drive off with. Before you do anything, though, make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage, including gap insurance to cover the differences caused by depreciation. Other steps to take to protect your car include:

• Install steering wheel locks and other deterrents.
• Keep your car locked – even at home and other familiar places.
• Invest in a Faraday box or wallet to block electronic signals from your key fob.
• Store your keys out of sight of others.

The idea is to make it as difficult as possible for people to simply drive off with your car by stealing signals from your key fob. Consider all options to make this difficult for thieves. You might also consider keeping your car parked in a locked garage for added protection.

While nothing is foolproof and thieves are always looking for the latest technology to make their tasks even easier, you can still protect your vehicle if it does become a car theft victim by installing GPS tracking. This offers a real-time view of your vehicle’s location and even allows you to set up instant notifications so you know, in an instant, when it is stolen and can notify the appropriate authorities.

Don’t allow your car to be the next in a long line of vehicles stolen by signal amplification relay attacks. Defend it now with these simple steps. And, if you’re looking to learn more about GPS tracking for cars, browse through our comprehensive or give us a call here at LiveViewGPS at 1-888-544-0494.

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