In a recent video by the DIY YouTube channel How To Home, hosted by Adam, viewers are warned about an alarming trend: burglars are now using vehicles to gain access to homes. Adam explains how thieves have become increasingly sophisticated in their methods, using vehicles as a gateway to break into homes. In this article, we’ll delve into Adam’s insights and advice on how to protect your home and vehicle from these cunning criminals.
The Smash and Grab Technique
Adam begins by describing a common tactic known as the “smash and grab.” Thieves approach a vehicle, often parked in a driveway or a public parking lot, and break the window using a rock, brick, or spark plug. The car alarm goes off, but they have limited time and act quickly. They search the vehicle for valuables, targeting the center console, glove box, and under the seats. However, their primary goal is often the garage door opener and any documents containing personal information.
Why Thieves Target Your Vehicle
Thieves steal garage door openers to gain easy access to homes. Adam points out that many people leave their garage door openers clipped to the visor, making it a prime target. Additionally, they take the vehicle’s registration and insurance card, which usually have the home address listed. With this information, burglars can easily find and enter the home, often while the owner is still away dealing with the vehicle break-in.
The Danger of Owner’s Manuals
One surprising item that thieves steal is the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Adam explains that some owner’s manuals contain verification numbers or serial numbers that can be used to claim ownership of the vehicle. In some cases, burglars have used this information to get new keys programmed for the vehicle, allowing them to steal it at a later time.
Unlocked Vehicles: An Open Invitation
Another scenario Adam describes is when thieves find an unlocked vehicle in a driveway. It’s shocking how many people still leave their cars unlocked, especially in their own driveways. Thieves can easily open the vehicle, take valuables, and use the Homelink system, a built-in feature in many newer vehicles that allows them to open the garage door with the push of a button.
Simple Solutions to Protect Your Vehicle and Home
Adam offers several practical solutions to prevent these types of break-ins. First, he advises removing the owner’s manual from the vehicle and keeping it in a safe place at home. Important documents like registration and insurance cards should either be kept in a locked glove box or carried on your person.
For garage door openers, Adam suggests using a wireless garage door opener like MyQ or Aladdin, which allows you to open the garage door using an app on your phone. Alternatively, a small, keychain-sized garage door opener can be kept with your keys, making it less likely for thieves to find and use it.
Protecting Your Key Fobs
One of the more advanced methods thieves use involves amplifying the signal from your key fob to unlock and start your vehicle. Adam demonstrates the effectiveness of a Faraday box, a special container designed to block the signal emitted by key fobs. By keeping your key fob in a Faraday box, you can prevent thieves from copying the signal and gaining access to your vehicle and home.
Testing the Faraday Box
To prove the effectiveness of the Faraday box, Adam conducts a test with his vehicle. With the key fob inside the box, the vehicle does not recognize the signal, and the doors remain locked. Once the box is opened, the vehicle immediately detects the key fob, and the doors unlock. This simple device effectively prevents unauthorized access to your vehicle.
Additional Advice
People in the comments shared their advice: “Two things to add. (1) Many states send two copies of the registration, one purposely omits the address and is recommended to carry that one in your vehicle. Without the address, thieves will have a harder time quickly figuring out where you live. (2) You showed your house keys in the video. It is pretty easy to copy your Kwikset and Schlage keys right from your video. Might want to blur those out if they are your real keys. Thanks for the video. Good stuff.”
Another person added: “I installed a smart outlet on my garage door power plug. I set a schedule to turn off the power to the garage door opener at night. I can also turn off power anywhere in the world.”
Practical Advice
Adam’s video on How To Home provides crucial information on how burglars are using vehicles to break into homes and offers practical solutions to prevent it. By understanding these methods and implementing the suggested security measures, you can protect your home and vehicle from becoming easy targets.
Vehicle Security Technology
What are your thoughts? How can advancements in vehicle security technology help prevent such break-ins in the future? What additional steps can homeowners take to safeguard their vehicles and homes beyond the measures mentioned in the video? How can community awareness and local law enforcement play a role in reducing these types of crimes?
For additional insights, view the full video on How To Home’s YouTube channel here.
