The streets of Los Angeles have become a hunting ground for tech-savvy thieves targeting Chevrolet Camaros with key cloning devices, the Los Angeles Police Department reported last week. A sharp increase in Camaro thefts has been linked to the use of these palm-sized gadgets that can capture and clone key fob signals, according to the LAPD.
In a recent arrest, the Newton Gang Enforcement Detail took a juvenile into custody in possession of such a device. Just last year, two Camaros were reported stolen, whereas the count has already hit double digits this year. On a city-wide level, the spike is even more staggering, with a 1,285% increase that translates to 90 Camaros stolen compared to the previous count of seven in 2023.
The Newton Area auto detectives have sternly advised Camaro owners to take preventive measures against such high-tech heists. They recommend never leaving key fobs in the vehicle and suggest the use of security cases to block the fob's signals. For those looking for a more budget-friendly solution, common household items like aluminum foil or tin cans have also proven to be effective deterrents against key fob duplication, as reported by the LAPD.
In the battle to curb vehicle theft, community assistance is pivotal. The LAPD encourages anyone with information about additional crimes or those who suspect they've fallen prey to key cloning to step forward. Informants can contact the Newton Auto Detectives directly or, for anonymity, turn to the LA Regional Crime Stoppers service. With the number of stolen Camaros revving up, the police department hopes that increased vigilance and public collaboration will help put the brakes on this criminal trend.
