Stolen 2023 Mojave

[JT23]

Hello Everyone,

I've been reading these forums since before I bought my truck, and I'm beyond disappointed that my first post is on this topic. I bought my Mojave brand new at the end of November and absolutely loved it. Had a JL before that, but really wanted the versatility of the pickup. On Saturday, I went outside to load up the truck to head to some family parties, but my truck was gone. I've filed the police report, insurance claims for both auto and renters (for the property inside) and have also contacted SiriusXM Guardian who are trying to get a ping on it this week. If I had to bet, it's gone forever, probably in a shipping container oversees, with all GPS tech disabled. It's been 3 days and I still really can't believe it. I had just made my first payment on it 2 days prior to it disappearing.

I wanted to post for a few reasons. First, to raise the awareness. I had read a few posts here about stolen trucks, and of course I had heard about all the Kias and Hyundais getting stolen over the recent years, but of course I figured it was still such a slim chance that it could happen to me. Then it did. I don't know how it was taken. Could have been a cloned key fob, they could have popped the latches on my hood to disable electrical components, or they could have towed it for all I know. I've read a ton of info in the last 3 days, and I will 100% be increasing security on my next vehicle. Sadly, as much as I want to replace my JT, I'm afraid that it would be targeted again, since it was taken from my home. Very scary thought. May have to settle for another vehicle for now until we think about moving.

I'd also like to hear any thoughts or feedback if I'm missing any steps that could help my situation. Whether that's helping to locate my truck, preventative measures I can take next time, or tips for negotiating a Final Loss value with my insurance. Again, it was BRAND NEW, so I am extremely stressed that I will lose money in this process. I know that the vehicle depreciated when I drove it off the lot, but I am hoping to not be stuck way behind the 8 ball when having to replace it. if anyone has been through this process, I'd appreciate any insight. My saving grace is that I got such a great deal on it with all the incentives in November, plus negotiating. But still, I am worried that the valuation will be low, assessing it as a "slightly used" vehicle. So far, insurance has been helpful, but I know those conversations are right around the corner.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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[Zachanadandy]

With the massive discounts, kbb still shows mine as worth more than I paid in October. When our 2019 JLUR was stolen in late 2021 we got nearly what we paid for it and it had 60k miles on it. I hate thieves.

 

[Medical_Bartender]

Feeling bad for you. That was a sharp looking Mojave too. Best of luck with the process. I’d encourage you to not give up on getting another Jeep if that’s what makes you happy..perhaps take steps to prevent theft again such as parking inside a garage if you have one?

 

[charliez]

There was another theft thread that I commented on a while back. The JT that went missing was found later and the glove box was pulled out. I said it was just because they were rummaging thru it. Others said that a scan tool was probably used to make a fob for it.

FFWD to not long ago, I broke down and got a second fob made by a locksmith. It took him seconds, plugging his tool into a port behind the glove box to program the new fob, and redo the existing fob. I would bet that from the right place, his scan tool is available to anyone to purchase. Seeing how that was done, I'll never doubt again that's how these things are disappearing.

I might take some time to study my connections to see how I might make them inconvenient to get to, although I don't know it even possible.

 

[Alpine Warthog]

That really sucks man. This sorta thing makes me glad I live in the sticks....

I'd do the jeep again, But I'd remove the Rubi/Mojave decals first thing. Gladiators stick out enough as it is. Special ones get it even faster. But that's just me, I've got just enough "F-U" in me that I'd push my luck.

Locking hood latches, a tazer with the PIN being used plus a mechanical device (the club, etc) on top of that. There's also good ol' fashioned kill switches too.

 

[JT23]

@Zachanadandy thanks for that optimism, I’m hoping that’s the case. Values have been declining lately which had me worried. I got about 24% the HEFTY MSRP, but also had negotiated my trade value up. I know I’ll get more than what I owe, just hoping that I actually get what I paid (or more) so I don’t lose thousands from what I put down.

@charliez I read that thread…crazy photos of people doing that stuff. Just makes me sick to my stomach that it’s that easy. And where’s the line? Someone on here had joked about bolting a chain to a concrete slab and then locking it to the axle everytime it’s parked. Don’t want to drive myself to paranoia, but what other choice do we have?

 

[Alpine Warthog]

I might take some time to study my connections to see how I might make them inconvenient to get to, although I don't know it even possible.

Brother, you just created another item on my to-do list...

 

[charliez]

If you figure a way to do some thing with the connectors, let us know.

I wonder if something 3d printed could work. I dont' have a printer, and most thieves only want to do the quick grabs. Slowing them down enough might send them on down the road

 

[ecidiego]

There was another theft thread that I commented on a while back. The JT that went missing was found later and the glove box was pulled out. I said it was just because they were rummaging thru it. Others said that a scan tool was probably used to make a fob for it.

FFWD to not long ago, I broke down and got a second fob made by a locksmith. It took him seconds, plugging his tool into a port behind the glove box to program the new fob, and redo the existing fob. I would bet that from the right place, his scan tool is available to anyone to purchase. Seeing how that was done, I'll never doubt again that's how these things are disappearing.

I might take some time to study my connections to see how I might make them inconvenient to get to, although I don't know it even possible.

I wonder what the odds are that you'll ever need to use those connections ( plug/unplug ). It's tempting to just pot them. One guy had an idea to dismount them, shove them up somewhere else, and put dummies in place...

Then again their are CAN ports everyone on the damn truck. Can pop a rear interior panel on the driver side and boom there's one.

 

[charliez]

Maybe all you might need to do is unpin one or two. Tuck the unpinned wire back away somewhere. Hmmm. I don't remember which pins he used.

 

[JT23]

I’ve seen a lot of recommendations for AirTags. Significantly hidden within the vehicle. Anybody know how easy it is to disrupt that signal? Positive is that it’s completely separate from any vehicle electronics/equipment so it can’t be disconnected.

 

[Lunentucker]

Get away from Baltimore.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Someone on here had joked about bolting a chain to a concrete slab and then locking it to the axle everytime it’s parked. Don’t want to drive myself to paranoia, but what other choice do we have?
[/QUOTE]

That was me... chaining it to the driveway will slow the theft down to a crawl, as a flatbed wouldn't even easily take it.

If you don't want the hassle of a chain, you could install bollards that operate off a remote...

 

[Aj58]

I’ve seen a lot of recommendations for AirTags. Significantly hidden within the vehicle. Anybody know how easy it is to disrupt that signal? Positive is that it’s completely separate from any vehicle electronics/equipment so it can’t be disconnected.

very easy.

Anyone with an iPhone will be alerted if a tag that doesn’t belong to them is following them.

 

[Aj58]

I’m curious how they are disabling the alarm. Assuming through the hood? Or cutting into a soft top?

Or are these left unlocked?

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