Overview
- Police in Warrington Township, Bucks County, issued a public alert on key fob cloning, saying thieves can program new keys via a vehicle’s computer and steal cars without forcing entry.
- Guidance from local authorities includes storing fobs away from doors or windows, using Faraday pouches, adding steering-wheel locks, and installing OBD port locks that block unauthorized devices.
- Westmoreland County’s district attorney echoed the warning, with a locksmith describing relay attacks involving pairs of thieves who amplify a fob’s signal and use tools like Autel programmers.
- Forbes reports some criminals plant consumer trackers such as Apple AirTags on target vehicles to monitor locations and attempt theft in quieter areas.
- Security experts discourage using a microwave as a makeshift Faraday cage due to damage and fire risk, noting purpose-built pouches or boxes are safer, as national data shows theft reports fell 23% in early 2025.