Auto theft hits 8 year high as people leave key fobs inside car (brake, replace)

[phlinak]

Originally Posted by Quietude

It's simple enough to make the system remind the owner a fob is inside the car, such as by not allowing door locking or a warning beep. My 2003 Mercedes had both. If there's any fob-keyed car that is completely passive about this security issue, yes, it is a manufacturer deficit.

Exactly.

Our Volkswagens are programmed to not allow you to lock the doors if you leave your fob inside.

The technology is not rocket science.

[M3 Mitch]

Actually since almost all auto theft is by young men, if you just buy a car with a stick-shift, it becomes almost theft proof. Millennial men who can drive stick are damn thin on the ground.

[easy62]

Originally Posted by Quietude

I don't see why a fob would ever leave your pocket. I had any number of issues with the '03, but I never failed to feel a childish delight at being able to open the door and start the car just because I had a magic rock in my pocket.

But people will carry it in a purse, jacket pocket, gym bag, whatever - or drop it in a cupholder - and there you go. No different from simply leaving the keys in, which is a problem that's never been fully cured either.

Because they have the key fob on a keychain with other keys instead of leaving it separate. I have no sympathy for idiots who leave their keys or key fob in their vehicle.

[cebuan]

It's the law of diminishing returns. The cost of a lost fob exceeds the risk of not securing it properly. Get used to it, that law is becoming commonplace in everything technological.

[Quietude]

Originally Posted by easy62

Because they have the key fob on a keychain with other keys instead of leaving it separate.

Could you make sense out of that? What difference does it make whether it's on a key ring or not?

Leaving it separate would tend to increase leaving it in the car, a jacket, etc. Most people have the firm habit of keeping keyrings with them.

[easy62]

Originally Posted by Quietude

Could you make sense out of that? What difference does it make whether it's on a key ring or not?

Leaving it separate would tend to increase leaving it in the car, a jacket, etc. Most people have the firm habit of keeping keyrings with them.

Keep your keys and key fob separate it’s easier to pull out just your key fob instead of all your keys. I leave my key fob in my pants pocket, and a woman can leave it in their purse, or pocket i never carry a bunch of keys with me when working i had my keys hanging from my belt.

[Stockyman]

Just think in another decade or two stealing cars will be a think of the past when self-driving cars rule the roads. Can't wait.

[Rickcin]

Originally Posted by Stockyman

Just think in another decade or two stealing cars will be a think of the past when self-driving cars rule the roads. Can't wait.

Long before that happens you won’t need any keys at all and we’re partially there already!

[notnamed]

Originally Posted by Rickcin

Long before that happens you won’t need any keys at all and we’re partially there already!

Surprised we haven't gone further down this road with slim wallet keys.


Or just using your phone fully as the key as you can to lock/unlock/remote start some brands now.

[Harry Hemi]

Originally Posted by eaton53

Plus, who goes on the news and tells everyone that he's a blithering idiot??

Have you seen the president lately?

My car unlocks 3 times before it tells me "F You, you want it locked, you got it!"

I dont care how safe your neighborhood is, purposely leaving the key fob in the car is ridiculously lazy, and defeats the purpose of the design.

I was careless once. On a trip to Virginia I took my spare key with me and left it in my book bag.
When I got home, I parked in the driveway, got out with it running and wondered why the car didnt warn me that the key left the car. Wasnt till later that day I realized I left my key in the bag in the back seat.