Cleveland Police are sounding the alarm on a troubling trend in vehicle thefts—one that takes less than 90 seconds to pull off and involves technology many drivers already carry every day.
Key fobs, designed for convenience, may actually be putting cars at risk, according to the Cleveland Crime Analysis Unit. Investigators have been tracking a pattern of thefts between last December 29 and February 20, where stolen and reprogrammed key fobs have played a central role.
Authorities report that thieves are using specialized scanning devices to access a vehicle’s system and reprogram blank key fobs in under a minute and a half. Once a car is stolen, it may be used in other crimes or stripped for valuable parts.
According to Cleveland Police, Jeep Cherokees and Grand Cherokees are the primary targets, though some Dodge models may also be vulnerable. However, officials warn that these hacking tools can work on a range of makes and models, making nearly any vehicle a potential target.
When asked how many cars had been stolen using this method during the specified period, Cleveland Police stated that investigations are ongoing, but confirmed 22 Jeeps had been reported stolen without their original keys.
Vehicle theft remains a persistent issue in Northeast Ohio, with stolen cars frequently discovered at illegal dumping sites throughout Cleveland or even abandoned in the Cuyahoga River.
To reduce the risk, Cleveland Police recommend taking extra security measures such as using steering wheel locks or aftermarket immobilizers. Parking in well-lit areas or secure garages equipped with surveillance cameras can also serve as a deterrent.