Philadelphia police initiate campaign to raise awareness about rising high-tech auto thefts in the city.

The Philadelphia Police Department is sounding the alarm as a rise in sophisticated auto thefts has begun to affect residents, particularly those with push-to-start vehicles that utilize keyless fobs. These incidents, referred to as key fob cloning, involve criminals using readily accessible tools to gain entry to locked vehicles and operate their ignition systems remotely. The spike in such thefts has prompted law enforcement agencies throughout the Philadelphia region to take action and spread awareness about the growing threat.

Reports reveal that thieves are employing methods that enable them to bypass vehicle security systems. Using an onboard diagnostics tool—a device typically found in auto repair shops—criminals can capture the unique frequency of a vehicle’s key fob and transfer it to a blank key, effectively rendering it usable for theft. This alarming trend has become a significant concern, especially in suburban areas and neighborhoods across Northeast Philadelphia, with criminals quickly adapting their techniques to exploit new vulnerabilities in modern car security.

To address the issue, the Philadelphia Police Department has initiated a public awareness campaign titled “Together, We Can Prevent Auto Theft.” This initiative aims to educate vehicle owners on preventative measures they can take to secure their cars. Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore highlighted the pervasive nature of these thefts, expressing that the use of advanced technology by criminals is a worrisome development affecting the entire city.

In a proactive measure, police recruits plan to visit targeted neighborhoods to distribute informative leaflets outlining effective strategies for protecting vehicles. Additionally, the department is set to launch a comprehensive social media campaign and host community workshops that will focus on auto theft prevention techniques.

Among the recommended preventive measures, Lieutenant Brian Geer, head of the department’s major crimes unit, emphasizes the importance of obtaining tools designed to thwart these advanced theft methods. For example, he advises vehicle owners to invest in an “OBD lock,” which secures the onboard diagnostics port and is accessible exclusively through a dedicated key. Such devices are available for approximately and can be conveniently purchased through various online platforms.

To combat relay thefts, Geer recommends using Faraday pouches or bags. These storage solutions block signals from key fobs, thus safeguarding them from being intercepted by would-be thieves, especially in crowded spaces or residential areas. Additionally, he suggests the implementation of steering wheel locks, a practice that has gained popularity among certain car manufacturers’ owners in light of recent viral trends that have encouraged car theft.

The Philadelphia Police Department continues to stress fundamental anti-theft practices that have been emphasized over the years. Ensuring vehicles are secured, parking in well-lit areas, and not leaving cars running unattended remain crucial practices for all vehicle owners. By adopting these measures and promoting a culture of vigilance, the community can work collectively to mitigate the threat of auto theft.

As the situation develops, the Philadelphia Police Department urges all car owners to remain proactive and informed in order to better protect their vehicles against these high-tech criminal tactics.

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