Car remote jamming – opening the door to theft and break-ins
Imagine this scenario. You’re on your way home from work when you realise you’ve forgotten to buy electricity. You stop at the shop on your way home, jump out, lock your car and run in. You’re back out again, electricity slip in hand, in less than five minutes. And then as you get back into your car it dawns on you. Your laptop and gym bag are gone. No windows smashed, no door handles broken. Because you’ve just been a victim of car remote jamming.
Vehicle theft in the new millennium
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, car remote jamming is exactly what it sounds like. A thief jamming the signal that locks your car, leaving your vehicle open for them to rifle through while you’re away. It’s a method that’s become increasingly popular in recent years, and one that’s allowed many a thief to make off with thousands of Rands in goods. All this by simply making you believe your car is locked and safe.
So how exactly does car remote jamming work, and where are you most vulnerable? Essentially, car remote jamming works by blocking the signal that activates the lock and alarm on your vehicle. When you push your remote to lock your car, a thief nearby pushes their own remote. This remote is usually tuned to a standard 400MHz frequency, and effectively blocks the signal your own remote sends to your car. You believe your car to be locked and leave none the wiser. This provides the thief with the ideal opportunity to enter your now unlocked vehicle and steal any loose valuables. They might even open your boot from the inside to rummage through its contents.
Who is Targeted?
Car remote jamming was initially a tactic reserved for customers in parking lots. Today however, anyone walking away from their car is a potential victim. Whether parked at the gym, at school, or at a friend’s. If you’ve become used to the habit of locking your car while walking away, not making absolutely sure that the lock is activated, you’re leaving yourself open to the threat of theft. Even more complicated is the fact that without proof of forced entry, it can be difficult to claim against personal goods insurance for your stolen items. This makes constant vigilance even more of a priority.
Start protecting your possessions with top tips and Household Contents insurance today
Car remote jamming is a concern, particularly if you often travel with valuables in your car. It’s worth noting however, that jamming devices can only stop your vehicle from locking. They cannot unlock your vehicle itself. As such, following a few preventative guidelines can help you avoid becoming a victim of petty theft:
- Don’t walk away from your car without checking if it is securely locked. If your car refuses to lock for some reason, do not leave it unattended.
- Never leave any valuables in your vehicle in plain sight. If you are unable to carry your possessions with you, lock them in your boot rather than on your car seats.
- Always ensure that your boot and car doors are locked before walking away from your car.
- Where you can, park in busy areas or near other cars or people. Avoide parking in remote locations.
Even better, if you’re a Hyundai owner, you’ll be able to actively prevent car remote jamming with a new-to-market innovation. The ZX Jam Alert. Tuned to the same frequency as all regular remotes and fitted with an advanced computer chip and siren, the ZX Jam Alert will emit piercing 110-decibel pulses upon detection of any signal similar to those used by car jamming thieves. This in turn will draw attention to any potential theft and effectively stopping criminals in their tracks.
Lastly
Remember, however, that whether you own a Hyundai or not, the more observant and alert you can be to any suspicious activity, the more able you’ll be to protect your vehicle and the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Of course, looking after your possessions is always easier with a partner to help out – which is exactly where Old Mutual iWYZE comes in. Safeguard your most treasured items with a General or Specified Household Contents policy today, and you’ll have the extra protection you need to help take care of your items in every circumstance. Call us now on 0860 63 33 39, submit your details, or complete a quick quote online, and trust iWYZE to look after your possessions just as carefully as you do.
References:
1. “What is Remote Jamming?”. http://remotejamming.co.za/what-is-remote-jamming/. Accessed on 13 April 2016.
2. “Protect your Hyundai from remote jammers”. http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/cars/hyundai/protect-your-hyundai-from-remote-jammers-2010311. Accessed on 17 April 2016.
