Gone in 20 Minutes: using laptops to steal cars

Iria · May 4, 2006, 02:09 AM

Source: LeftLaneNews
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High-tech thieves are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to stealing automobiles equipped with keyless entry and ignition systems. While many computer-based security systems on automobiles require some type of key — mechanical or otherwise — to start the engine, so-called ‘keyless’ setups require only the presence of a key fob to start the engine.

The expert gang suspected of stealing two of David Beckham’s BMW X5 SUVs in the last six months did so by using software programs on a laptop to wirelessly break into the car’s computer, open the doors, and start the engine.

“It’s difficult to steal cars with complex security, but not impossible. There are weaknesses in any system,” Tim Hart of the Auto Locksmith Association told the U.K.’s Auto Express magazine. “At key steps the car’s software can halt progress for up to 20 minutes as part of its in-built protection,” said Hart.

Lelisevis · May 4, 2006, 02:39 PM

Hmmmmmm.

The laziness of mankind strikes back. I mean seriously is turning a key really that difficult?

Only reason Ive posted here is that coincidentally a colleague came in to work today distraught. She picked up her new Peugeot (30 something or other) on sunday. It's her dream car and has cost her best part of £18k. Two days later with a grand total of 35 miles on the clock it has vanished from her driveway. The car has a full Cat1 immobiliser and alarm system. But also keyless entry and start up.
Speaking to her earlier tonight the police have reported the car has turned up without a scratch on it. Who knows maybe it got bored and went for a drive itself.

May 4, 2006, 02:09 AM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 74	Gone in 20 Minutes: using laptops to steal cars Source: LeftLaneNews __________ High-tech thieves are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to stealing automobiles equipped with keyless entry and ignition systems. While many computer-based security systems on automobiles require some type of key — mechanical or otherwise — to start the engine, so-called ‘keyless’ setups require only the presence of a key fob to start the engine. The expert gang suspected of stealing two of David Beckham’s BMW X5 SUVs in the last six months did so by using software programs on a laptop to wirelessly break into the car’s computer, open the doors, and start the engine. “It’s difficult to steal cars with complex security, but not impossible. There are weaknesses in any system,” Tim Hart of the Auto Locksmith Association told the U.K.’s Auto Express magazine. “At key steps the car’s software can halt progress for up to 20 minutes as part of its in-built protection,” said Hart.

May 4, 2006, 02:39 PM	#2
Lelisevis Howlin at the moon Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sunderland, UK Posts: 1,655 Rep Power: 62 System Specs	Hmmmmmm. The laziness of mankind strikes back. I mean seriously is turning a key really that difficult? Only reason Ive posted here is that coincidentally a colleague came in to work today distraught. She picked up her new Peugeot (30 something or other) on sunday. It's her dream car and has cost her best part of £18k. Two days later with a grand total of 35 miles on the clock it has vanished from her driveway. The car has a full Cat1 immobiliser and alarm system. But also keyless entry and start up. Speaking to her earlier tonight the police have reported the car has turned up without a scratch on it. Who knows maybe it got bored and went for a drive itself. __________________ Im not dead