PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia police are warning drivers of newer model push-to-start vehicles that thieves are using advanced technology to steal cars without needing the original key.
"I've seen them stealing a car in under two minutes," said Lt Brian Geer, who leads the Philadelphia Police Department's Major Crimes Auto Theft Unit.
Police say the new trend of key fob cloning targets cars with push-to-start. Suspects use a key fob programming device and connect to the car's computer.
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"They'll take a blank key fob and create a new key fob," said Geer.
In what investigators are calling a "relay attack," thieves can target the key fob inside the home.
"They will take an antenna near your front door. Another person will extend the antenna to get the signal to open the car door, push start your car and drive off," said Geet.
Consider using Faraday boxes or bags to protect your fob's signal, or even locks on your car's onboard diagnostic port.
A victim of fob cloning explained that her car was stolen on October 10, outside her Port Richmond home.
"They made a key or something," she said.
Adding insult to injury, the victim's husband found the car for sale online.
"He was looking on Facebook market and the car was right there!" she said.
As for the purpose of these thefts, investigators say some of the stolen vehicles are stashed away and then sold. Others are used to carry out additional crimes.
Investigators find that some of these thieves do it for the thrill, recovering the stolen car blocks away after a short joyride.

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