LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities in Burbank are warning the public about a concerning uptick in a sophisticated method of auto theft involving what police have dubbed “key cloner” technology. The trend is part of a broader pattern of vehicle thefts exploiting keyless entry systems, which are increasingly common in newer model vehicles.
The Burbank Police Department says suspects are using specialized aftermarket electronic tools capable of detecting and cloning a key fob signal from outside a vehicle. These devices, about the size of a tablet or large smartphone, allow thieves to unlock and start cars without ever physically touching the original key.
Police explained that in some cases, the suspect can remotely scan for a fob signal if the real key is stored too close to the perimeter of a home—such as near the front door or garage. Once detected, the signal can be captured and duplicated. In other scenarios, suspects gain access to a vehicle’s interior and plug a device into its onboard diagnostic port, often hidden beneath the dashboard. That tool then extracts the car’s data, allowing the thief to program a blank key fob and drive away undetected.
This method poses a significant challenge for both vehicle owners and law enforcement, given that there are often no signs of forced entry or alarm activation.
To counter the trend, Burbank police are urging residents to take preventative measures, especially if their vehicles are equipped with keyless entry and push-to-start systems. Suggested precautions include parking behind a locked gate or inside a garage when possible, installing motion-activated lights and surveillance systems near parking areas, and storing key fobs in signal-blocking Faraday pouches or containers.
Authorities also recommend the use of steering wheel locks and the installation of discreet GPS trackers such as Apple AirTags or similar devices, noting that suspects often disable factory-installed tracking systems during a theft. In addition, vehicle owners are encouraged to check with their dealership to determine if their car may qualify for a security software update designed to prevent unauthorized access.
The rise in high-tech auto theft reflects a growing need for both consumer awareness and technological safeguards in an era where convenience features in modern vehicles are being exploited for criminal purposes.
