Sweetums
Well-Known Member
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I thought it would be helpful to start a discussion about theft prevention. This has been brought up in other threads before, but I thought having one place to collect all the information would be helpful. I plan to continually update this first post with new information, ideas, and products as new things get posted. Threads tend to go nuts and the signal to noise ratio gets so bad a new reader can't find what they need.
For those who don't know, proximity key fobs found on most newer vehicles are vulnerable to a low-skill theft technique. For about $20 someone can buy a signal relay/booster that can read the signal from your key inside your house and retransmit it to your vehicle, making it think the key is present and allowing the doors to be unlocked and the ignition started.
If a thief wants your truck bad enough, they will take it. Nothing will prevent them from showing up with a tow truck and driving off with it; the goal is to make is more difficult than it's worth and hope they move on to easier targets.
Tazer Mini - PIN Lock:
The Tazer Mini has the ability to require a PIN to be entered for the vehicle to start. The down side is this is a well known feature and a thief targeting Jeeps may be aware of it and how the Tazer is installed. Depending on how you installed your Tazer, it may be easily removed, defeating the PIN protection.
Tazer Mini - Vehicle Setting: Disable proximity key function:
The Tazer Mini has the ability to disable your proximity locks entirely, negating the signal boosting attack on the doors.
Faraday bag or box for key storage:
Faraday bags or boxes are lined with signal blocking material that keeps your key's radio signal from being picked up by outside receivers. Really any metal box should be able to do this pretty well, but for best results, any gaps in the storage box should be less than 1/10th the wavelength of the signal (typically 315 MHz or 433 MHz)
This one was tested by @j.o.y.ride and found to be effective if closed and latched.
Wrap Key in Aluminum Foil:
As proposed by @Dryfly24 here - this is a home made variation of the Faraday pouch (also useful if your fob is a conspiracy theorist)
Sniper Overwatch:
Exactly what it sounds like
Steering Wheel Lock:
Adding a "club" or similar steering wheel locking device.
Using an Apple Air Tag hidden in the vehicle
Open it up, remove the CR2450 battery powering the signal.
How the fob works is explained here.
Such as this 40a fuse for the starter.
Example of an installation is included in this post by @kb5zcr.
For added security, the kill switch could be hidden in the center console under a locked metal door.
Rahkmalla suggests the Ravelco. However, there are known flaws in this system that make it easy to bypass.
There's a lot of information posted by @dayusmc in this thread.
(Change log: Added links to existing threads and posts as of 3/14/2024, added sections from "remove fob battery" to "purchased anti-theft device/immobilizer"
2/15/24: Added context and criticisms of Ravelco anti theft system)
For those who don't know, proximity key fobs found on most newer vehicles are vulnerable to a low-skill theft technique. For about $20 someone can buy a signal relay/booster that can read the signal from your key inside your house and retransmit it to your vehicle, making it think the key is present and allowing the doors to be unlocked and the ignition started.
If a thief wants your truck bad enough, they will take it. Nothing will prevent them from showing up with a tow truck and driving off with it; the goal is to make is more difficult than it's worth and hope they move on to easier targets.
Tazer Mini - PIN Lock:
The Tazer Mini has the ability to require a PIN to be entered for the vehicle to start. The down side is this is a well known feature and a thief targeting Jeeps may be aware of it and how the Tazer is installed. Depending on how you installed your Tazer, it may be easily removed, defeating the PIN protection.
- Pro: Many of us already own a Tazer Mini for it's other features, making this a cheap layer of protection. Reversible installation.
- Con: Easily defeated by a knowledgeable thief, expensive if this is your only use for the Tazer.
Tazer Mini - Vehicle Setting: Disable proximity key function:
The Tazer Mini has the ability to disable your proximity locks entirely, negating the signal boosting attack on the doors.
- Pro: If you already have a Tazer, it's a cheap layer of protection and highly effective at keeping the doors locked. They can boost the signal all day and the truck just won't care. Reversible installation.
- Con: Doesn't work on the ignition, if you park with the doors or top off a thief can still enter the vehicle and start the ignition with a signal booster. You lose the convenience of proximity entry, you have to press the remote button each time you want to lock or unlock. The vehicle is still vulnerable to a forced entry followed by a signal boost attack to start the ignition. Easily defeated by a knowledgeable thief.
Faraday bag or box for key storage:
Faraday bags or boxes are lined with signal blocking material that keeps your key's radio signal from being picked up by outside receivers. Really any metal box should be able to do this pretty well, but for best results, any gaps in the storage box should be less than 1/10th the wavelength of the signal (typically 315 MHz or 433 MHz)
- Pro: Cheap, keeps full functionality of the proximity lock/unlock
- Con: You have to remember to put all your keys in the pouch or box every time you come home. Flexible pouches can wear over time and there's no visual indication that it's leaking signal. Lack of objective testing at the time of posting for which specific products are effective and perform as advertised.
This one was tested by @j.o.y.ride and found to be effective if closed and latched.
Wrap Key in Aluminum Foil:
As proposed by @Dryfly24 here - this is a home made variation of the Faraday pouch (also useful if your fob is a conspiracy theorist)
- Pro: Cheap.
- Con: Potentially kills the fob battery, really only useful for storing a fob that's not being used.
Sniper Overwatch:
Exactly what it sounds like
- Pro: Consequences of attempted theft preclude the possibility of a second attempt. Incredibly satisfying.
- Con: You have to sleep some time. Possibility of serious legal consequences (varies by state). Not ideal in bad weather unless you like trench foot.
Steering Wheel Lock:
Adding a "club" or similar steering wheel locking device.
- Pro: Visible deterrent can make a thief move on to easier prey.
- Con: Pain in the ass to use, clucky, largely ineffective since thieves learned to sawing through the steering wheel to remove the club can take less than 90 seconds.
Using an Apple Air Tag hidden in the vehicle
- Pro: Inexpensive if you use Apple products. Can help recover a stolen vehicle.
- Con: Doesn't deter theft. Notifies the thief of it's presence after enough time.
Open it up, remove the CR2450 battery powering the signal.
How the fob works is explained here.
- Pro: Cheap, easy, effective
- Con: You must press the Start button with the fob.
Such as this 40a fuse for the starter.
- Pro: Effective for longer periods, such as long term parking or going on vacation.
- Con: Not practical for daily theft deterrence.
Example of an installation is included in this post by @kb5zcr.
For added security, the kill switch could be hidden in the center console under a locked metal door.
- Pro: Difficult to find due to non-uniform installations by DIYers, including the possibility of a physical barrier over the switch. Effectively negates signal boosting attacks.
- Con: May be over the head of some DIYers. Difficulty in accessing the switch. May affect your warranty.
Rahkmalla suggests the Ravelco. However, there are known flaws in this system that make it easy to bypass.
- Pro: Not a "home brew" solution. No "master key" vulnerability
- Con: Essentially it's a fancy kill switch. Expensive. May affect your warranty. Dubious efficacy.
There's a lot of information posted by @dayusmc in this thread.
(Change log: Added links to existing threads and posts as of 3/14/2024, added sections from "remove fob battery" to "purchased anti-theft device/immobilizer"
2/15/24: Added context and criticisms of Ravelco anti theft system)
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