NICB identifies ‘mystery device’ that thieves use to steal cars

DES PLAINES, ILL. (WISH) – The National Insurance Crime Bureau has a scary warning for drivers. The agency says it knows more about how some thieves are easily breaking into cars.

The NICB first issued a warning in 2013, but said it didn’t know what device culprits were using. Now, they say they do know. The NICB said it bought a “Relay Attack” device from a third party security expert from an overseas company and tested it, with permission, at an auto dealership.

Here’s how it works:

• The device steals the wireless signal from your keyfab by just standing near you
• It then lets a thief unlock your car, start the engine, and drive away

The group said manufactures need to really focus on security.

“I think they have to adapt. They have to recognize that there are people out there, as we have for years and years and years, that want to steal cars and are gonna find ways to steal cars despite whatever technology we might put in our cars in order to protect them,” Officer Jim Schweitzer, NICB CEO said.

The NICB said its best advice for drivers is to keep your keys with you at all times, be aware of your surroundings and to not leave valuables in plain sight.

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