Gadgets for car thefts available online for $280

As reported in The Straits Times, gadgets used to break into vehicles are readily available online and cost about S$280.

Mr. Mundhenk, a reasearch associate at the TUM Create research centre here, warns that even as car manufacturers improve vehicle security, thieves are constantly trying to find loopholes. They are getting bolder and more sophisticated, employing an arsenal of gadgets to steal vehicles and/or valuables in them.

According to Mr. Mundhenk, these gadgets range from radio jammers that prevent the remote locking of a car, to devices that plug into the car's onboard computers and reprogram ignition keys. "Its exactly like an arms race," he says. His remarks come after two cases of car theft in Johor Bahru were reported earlier this week, in the span of just three days.

He showed The Straits Times one website that sold a remote control signal duplicator that claimed to be able to "receive, copy car remote-control signals, then command the car", for only about US$200 (S$280).

Overall, though, motor vehicle thefts involving Singapore-registered vehicles have declined over the past four and a half years. But even as Singapore theft numbers fall, Mr Mundhenk said he noticed that reports of car break-ins are getting "more and more common" worldwide from the beginning of last year. "It might be because devices to break car security are more readily available online," he said.

Experts advise motorists to take precautions such as using steering-wheel clamps - although even these are not a guarantee. "Any hurdle will buy you time, and make it less likely for your car to be a victim of an attack," said Mr. Mundhenk.

"(Drivers) should not leave vehicle keys with strangers, or even parking valets. They should park their vehicles in a position that leaves tow trucks no leeway to tow their vehicle away," adds Mr Derek Teo, CEO General Insurance Association.