Anyone who has fallen victim to remote jamming will know that sinking feeling when you open your boot and there is nothing in there – no laptop, no handbag, no gym shoes.
Remote jamming is nothing new, and on the increase, says Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing and communications for the Fidelity Services Group.
Remote jamming is when thieves jam the signal from the immobiliser to the car, so it does not lock even when the owner presses the lock button. A remote jammer is any device that deliberately blocks, jams or interferes with authorised wireless communications.
“Jamming can interfere with various types of wireless equipment, including the alarm panel, cellphone communication, detectors, fleet tracking systems and radio reporting to a control room,” Hattingh explains.
‘Well-practiced tactic, alive and well in public places’
“It goes well beyond your and my car in a shopping centre’s parking area. These criminals are not only committing theft out of motor vehicles but also theft of motor vehicles, hijacking of vehicles or trucks and cargo, and house and business robberies by using remote jamming.
“This well-practiced tactic is especially alive and well in public places because, sadly, motorists continue to be vulnerable to it.”
“These criminals rely on the ability to blend in while people go about their business of parking and shopping and not checking that their cars are locked, or observing anything around them.
“While security guards and car guards are on high alert for these criminals, it is effortless for the thieves to approach a car, open it, pop the boot, take what they want and walk off – they are not breaking into a car; they are not even concerned about what car security devices or vehicle anti-theft systems you may have.
“A passerby may think the thief is the owner of the car – if they notice them at all. And, they breeze through access control systems when they drive out because they seldom draw attention to themselves.”
Prevent it with heightened vigilance
Since there is often no damage or signs of a break-in, insurance companies can refuse to cover the stolen items, unless you are with an insurer that stipulates this type of crime is covered.
“While it is reassuring to know you could be covered, the best scenario is to avoid the trauma that comes with being a victim of remote jamming, which is something that can be prevented, with heightened vigilance.
“A saving grace with an insurance claim may be that most shopping centres and especially garage forecourts have business security systems, like CCTV, which may help your case – or at least help you understand what happened.”
Fidelity provides these tips to avoid falling victim to remote jammers:
1. Never lock your car and walk away. Check the doors to see if they are, in fact, locked. If your door opens, get in and drive away. Chances are that the criminals have targeted you.
2. Be aware of your surroundings and of suspicious people loitering around the parking area or sitting in cars.
3. Look around as you drive in and before you park. Follow your gut instinct and report suspicious-looking people to security or move your car to a safer place.
4. Remember that when you open your boot everyone around you can see what is inside, especially if they are eagerly waiting for this. A boot with a visible laptop or other valuables can make you an instant target.
5. Never leave valuables in plain sight in the car.
6. Always park in the safest location, where there are many other cars and security guards.
7. Think about real-time car GPS tracking for added peace of mind.
“We should stay safe by increasing vigilance and using common sense. Being security conscious should be a habit not an after-thought,” Hattingh concludes.
– My Pressportal
