A Houston man saw his stolen tailgate online and called the police — and it led to a massive bust of blank key fobs. How these devices are helping car thieves get away in a matter of minutes

How thieves can use key fobs to steal your car

The investigation into the stolen tailgates started when victims noticed their parts being listed online. After organizing with law enforcement, they confronted the suspects, Lieutenant John Gonzalez of the Harris County Sheriff's Office auto theft unit told KHOU 11.

“There’s a big aftermarket for truck parts, especially for Ford and GM models,” Gonzalez said.

Thieves access a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) port, usually located under the dashboard. Using a specialized programmer, they create a new key fob that lets them unlock, start and drive away with the car — sometimes in five minutes.

Another technique called "relay theft" targets keyless entry vehicles. Criminals use electronic devices to capture the signal from a key fob inside a home, transmit it to a receiver near the car and trick the vehicle into starting.

Thefts like these are big business. Tailgates alone can fetch up to $10,000 on the aftermarket, and stolen cars are often sold at steep discounts through online marketplaces, luring unsuspecting buyers.

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How to protect your vehicle from key fob theft

Vehicle theft is on the rise in Texas, and authorities are urging drivers to take extra precautions. Even though car thefts have declined at the national level, with 850,708 cars stolen in 2024 and 1,020,729 in 2023, as per the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), that doesn’t mean thieves aren’t getting more creative.

To protect your vehicle:

• Lock your tailgate and vehicle doors: This simple step can protect your tailgate and limit theft.
• Use OBD port protection: Devices that block access to the OBD port can prevent cloning.
• Store key fobs in a Faraday bag: These pouches block the signal from your fob, stopping thieves from capturing it.
• Install a steering wheel lock or aftermarket alarm: Old-school mechanical locks are highly effective deterrents.
• Park in a secure garage: When possible, keep your vehicle out of sight and out of reach.
• Turn off your fob's wireless signal: Some newer fobs allow you to disable the signal when not in use—check your owner's manual.
• Upgrade your home security: Motion detectors and cameras can add an extra layer of protection.
• Install a car camera: Adding a dashboard or rear camera can help deter thieves and provide police with important evidence.
• Add an AirTag or other GPS device: This can help you track your stolen car. But be sure to tell police; don't try to recover the car yourself.

As high-tech theft methods continue to evolve, staying vigilant and taking preventive measures can make a crucial difference in keeping your vehicle safe. Even with the best precautions, theft can still happen.

If your vehicle is stolen, contact the police immediately to file a report. Then, if the car is financed, contact your car insurance company and lender. They can help you with the next steps.