Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob: With Greg Marcyniuk from Heritage Insurance in downtown Moose Jaw, our insurance expert today. The focus is on vehicle theft. Greg, it's gone high-tech.
Greg: That's right, Rob. What we're finding...and it's been increasing predominantly over the last six years, and criminals are utilizing these tools because they can purchase them online. And that makes it very easy for anybody to do this. What thieves are doing is they're going, and they're purchasing what they call an On-board Diagnostic Port, an OBD. And that provides access to the car's electronic system.
So basically, what they'll do is they break into the vehicle, and then they can plug the OBD and program a key fob, like, a new one, and then off they go. And again, we're finding that this is the biggest method that vehicles are being stolen today. And it's increasing continually year to year. So what can you do to prevent that from happening?
Some people are putting an OBD lock on it, which covers that OBD port. And some actually have been putting dummy OBD ports as well so that if they do plug in, they just can't do it. And another thing that people can do is get an immobile analyzing device that can actually be wired into your car's ignition system. But it's very important that you use a professional here because it could make your warranty voided.
The other trend is what they call a relay attack, and it involves two criminals. And the technology captures the door lock signals on newer cars. Now, if an owner parks his car out in either the driveway or on the street, goes into his home and lays your fob down or hangs your fob up by the door, what a person will do is they'll have an antenna there, and then another person will go up, and they will actually push the lock, and that triggers an actual signal back to your vehicle, and they pick it up through the antenna.
And again, they can just copy it, hop in, and away they go. It's just crazy with this technology, Rob. And what you can do to defend yourself on this is, primarily, two different ways. There's what they call Faraday boxes, where you can actually put that into a box, or pouches that block key fob signals that can be placed either in your pocket or in your purse. So things that you want to do.
So these attacks don't just happen in residential areas. It can happen in a parking lot. Somebody's parked their car, they're walking away towards the mall, and they can't remember whether or not they've locked your vehicle. I know I've done it. You press your key, bang, they've got it, and just, away they go. These thieves are getting very smart.
And they'll actually put a tracker on your vehicle if they find a vehicle that they think they like, or these organized criminals have buyers that will take them. So you gotta be very, you know, prudent with that. And the other thing is, as well, is to actually have a tracker in your vehicle, so if it does get stolen, you can actually follow it and see where it's at.
Another good thing that will always work is just buy the old club or where you can lock your steering wheel or lock the gas pedal. That probably is the fail-safe of all. So that's what I would recommend doing. So, again, these are just things that are happening now, trending within the car thieves. So just be aware of what you're doing.
Rob: Technology's great. The advancements have been great, but, unfortunately, the bad guys keep up with it, too.
Greg: Well, they do. And it's so easy for them to go online, get this information, and it's readily available.
Rob: You can get these tips on how to protect your vehicles online.
Greg: That's correct, @heritageinsurance.ca or feel free to come on down here at the corner first in Fairford and talk to any of our fine people here.
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