LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities in Burbank are cautioning residents about a rise in technologically advanced auto thefts targeting vehicles with keyless entry systems, a feature common in many modern cars. The thefts involve electronic tools capable of duplicating key fob signals or reprogramming vehicle access through onboard systems, allowing suspects to steal cars without breaking in or triggering alarms.
Street People learned that several recent thefts across the San Fernando Valley appear to follow a consistent pattern. In some cases, suspects reportedly use portable electronic devices—roughly the size of a tablet—that scan for and intercept fob signals emitted from inside a home. If a car owner leaves their key fob near an entry point, such as a front door or garage, thieves can detect and replicate the signal from outside the residence.
SP obtained details suggesting that other thefts are executed by accessing the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic (OBD) port, typically located beneath the dashboard. Once inside the car—often via an already-unlocked door or through prior signal capture—thieves plug in a device that downloads the car’s digital profile. That data is then used to program a blank key fob, enabling the suspect to start the vehicle and leave the scene with minimal trace.
The method has presented challenges for law enforcement, as there are often no physical signs of forced entry, and factory-installed alarms or GPS trackers may be bypassed or disabled. According to materials reviewed by SP, some aftermarket devices used in these thefts are widely available through online marketplaces, making them difficult to regulate.
Burbank police are urging residents to take added precautions. Recommended measures include storing key fobs in signal-blocking Faraday pouches, parking vehicles in locked garages or behind secured gates, and installing motion-sensitive lighting or surveillance near driveways and carports.
Officials also encourage the use of visible deterrents such as steering wheel locks, and the installation of independent GPS tracking devices—such as Apple AirTags or similar alternatives—hidden within the vehicle. These third-party devices may offer an added layer of location tracking even if a car’s built-in system is compromised.
SP came across internal advisories indicating that some automakers have quietly issued software patches designed to counter certain types of unauthorized access. Vehicle owners are advised to contact dealerships to inquire about eligibility for such updates.
The rise in high-tech vehicle theft reflects a broader shift in how criminal networks are exploiting convenience-driven features in automotive design. As keyless entry systems become the standard, law enforcement and consumer advocates alike say awareness and preventative habits are becoming essential safeguards.
“This isn’t a return to old-school hot-wiring—it’s digital infiltration,” one investigator familiar with the trend told SP. “And it’s happening without the victim ever hearing a sound.”
