New car theft trend to watch out for: Car hacking

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York State Police is warning drivers about another way thieves can take their vehicles. It's a new, high-tech method called "car hacking".

Trooper James O'Callaghan says the most recent incident locally happened at a dealership in Lockport.

"We were able to catch the person and make the arrest, and then found some of the tools that he's using to try and get this vehicle started, which is something that's a diagnostic tool. Basically, it looks like an iPad, if you will," said O'Callaghan in an interview with WBEN.

In order to make this work, O'Callaghan says an individual would have to have a technical background. However, he says this trend is more popular in a bigger city area.

"Now we're starting to see it come here, and unfortunately, our criminals are younger and younger," O'Callaghan said.

According to O'Callaghan, 13-to-15-year-olds are stealing cars daily, but they've grown up with this technology. They're a little savvier when it comes to these technological trends.

If you have a push button car start, O'Callaghan recommends to put fobs in a security bag.

"It locks all the scanning equipment, because there is a set of technology out there where a boosted signal, and there's a possibility that your car can at least be unlocked, and possibly started without the fob." O'Callaghan explained, adding they cost about $20.

O'Callaghan also notes the best way to avoid being a victim of car theft is to not leave your keys in your car, or have anything perceived of high value in your car when parked outside.