Car Thieves Use New Diagnostic Trick, Police Issue Warning
Newtown Police Face Off Against High-Tech Car Theft
In a troubling turn of events, car thieves in Newtown, Ohio, have discovered a new way to steal vehicles, and it’s causing a stir among law enforcement. The Newtown Police Department recently uncovered a method where criminals use diagnostic scanners to gain access to cars, making it difficult for vehicle owners to protect their property. This new trick is a far cry from traditional car theft techniques and has left both police and residents scrambling to find solutions.
Evolution of Car Theft: From USBs to Scanners
Car theft isn’t a new problem, but the tactics thieves are using have certainly evolved. Not long ago, thieves targeted Kia and Hyundai vehicles using USB drives to override security systems. Now, the game has changed again. According to Detective Spencer Bischoff of the Newtown Police Department, the use of diagnostic scanners has become the latest method of choice for car thieves.
“You go from Dayton to Huber Heights to Columbus, everyone knows you can use a scanner to program a key card and you need 30 seconds max,” said Bischoff. This method works on almost any vehicle with a diagnostic port, making it an incredibly versatile tool for criminals.
How It Works: Diagnostic Scanners Turned Against Owners
Traditionally, diagnostic scanners are used by mechanics to troubleshoot issues in vehicles. These devices are plugged into an OSB port located beneath the dashboard, allowing the user to read error codes and diagnose problems. However, car thieves have found a way to exploit this technology for their gain.
By using a diagnostic scanner, these criminals can program blank digital keys that can start the car. “You can buy blank keys online and it takes an RF code and programs the key to the car,” Bischoff explained. “You hit the start button and go.” This means that with the right equipment, a thief can steal a car in under a minute, leaving little time for the owner or police to react.
A Surge in Thefts: Newtown’s Growing Problem
In just a few months, multiple cars have been stolen in Newtown using this method. Surveillance footage captured by the Newtown Police Department shows how quickly and efficiently these thieves operate. In one case, two individuals were seen breaking into a car using a diagnostic scanner, only to be scared away by the vehicle’s security system.
“Luckily, it had cameras and everything in the car and they got scared away,” Bischoff said. “I think they thought it had a tracker because the dashboard was all tricked out.” This incident highlights the brazen nature of these criminals, who aren’t deterred by security systems that would have been effective against traditional theft methods.
Limited Options for Law Enforcement
One of the biggest challenges facing the Newtown Police Department is the limited options they have for pursuing these criminals. Car theft is classified as a property crime, which means that resources for investigation and pursuit are often limited. “There’s only so much police can do to pursue the thieves because it’s a property crime, and not a personal crime,” Bischoff noted.
This limitation is frustrating for both law enforcement and the victims of these crimes. While the police are doing their best to patrol and prevent thefts, the nature of property crime means that thieves often face minimal consequences, making it an appealing option for those looking to make a quick score.
The Motive Behind the Crimes: Clout and Bragging
Interestingly, the Newtown Police Department believes that the motive behind these thefts isn’t financial gain. Instead, the thieves seem to be driven by clout and bragging rights. In many cases, the stolen cars are wrecked and abandoned, rather than being resold for profit.
This behavior is reminiscent of the “joyriding” phenomenon, where young people steal cars for the thrill of driving them recklessly before abandoning them. However, the use of advanced technology like diagnostic scanners takes this behavior to a new level, making it harder to combat.
Protecting Your Vehicle: What Can Be Done?
Given the sophistication of this new theft method, vehicle owners may feel helpless in protecting their cars. However, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. The Newtown Police Department recommends that residents take as many precautions as possible, such as locking their cars, parking in well-lit areas, and investing in additional security measures like steering wheel locks or GPS trackers.
While these steps won’t completely eliminate the risk, they can make it more difficult for thieves to target your vehicle. Additionally, staying informed about the latest theft trends and techniques can help you stay one step ahead of the criminals.
A Community Effort: Working Together to Combat Car Theft
The battle against car theft isn’t just a job for the police—it’s a community effort. By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, residents can help law enforcement identify and apprehend these criminals. The Newtown Police Department is committed to patrolling the area and taking proactive measures to prevent thefts, but they need the community’s support to be truly effective.
In the end, the fight against car theft in Newtown is a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of crime. As technology advances, so too do the methods used by criminals. By staying informed, taking precautions, and working together, the community can protect itself against this new wave of high-tech theft.
