Has anyone seen this news item

[mikephillips]

There have been a couple things on the local news the last few days. Seems there's some online "dare" driving theft of Kia and Hyundai autos going on. Apparently they're much easier to hotwire than other brands and some online group called the Kia Boys has issued a dare to take them for joyrides. They talked to severl people who've had them taken from driveways, parking lots and other places. One of the things that caught my attention was the recommendation to not leave the fob close to a window or doorway as apparently it can be read through them. I personally daily drive a Toyota with a stick locked when not in use, so thief risk is lower. But was curious if this was something being reported in other areas.

 

[Bob McElwee]

It has been reported both in St Louis and on Orlando, FL TV news that I am aware of. Our Kia is normally in the garage and the fobs are now where near the front of the house.

 

[Basil]

There have been a couple things on the local news the last few days. Seems there's some online "dare" driving theft of Kia and Hyundai autos going on. Apparently they're much easier to hotwire than other brands and some online group called the Kia Boys has issued a dare to take them for joyrides. They talked to severl people who've had them taken from driveways, parking lots and other places. One of the things that caught my attention was the recommendation to not leave the fob close to a window or doorway as apparently it can be read through them. I personally daily drive a Toyota with a stick locked when not in use, so thief risk is lower. But was curious if this was something being reported in other areas.

I have heard about this trend and, having a KIA Telluride, I am of course a bit concerned. If my car were stolen, I have dual tracking systems in place. One is the KIA EVO system (a subscription based system) that alerts me if my car moves and passes through a "fence." I also have an Apple Air Tag hidden in the car that would not be easily found, so at least I'm fairly confident that I'd be able to alert police to the exact location of my car if it were ever stolen. Also, not sure this is the case in all KIAs, but mine will shut off after a few minutes if it is driven any distance without the Key Fob in the car. In fact, my car will not start unless the fob is physically in the car, but I'm not sure if this model is susceptible to being bypassed as most of the stories just refer to "Kai and Hyundai" but not specific models. Nevertheless, it's upsetting that technology can so easily be exploited. I personally feel that the penalty for car theft should be harsh and swift!

 

[mikephillips]

I haven't seen the specific details but round here they've found that joyriders have downloaded some app and there's a way to plug a flash drive in to "mimic" a fob. Like the old times, according to this morning's story, they pull the cover off the steering column and attach in there somehow. They've apparently been doing this in parking lots and garages round here as well as at homes.

 

[Basil]

I haven't seen the specific details but round here they've found that joyriders have downloaded some app and there's a way to plug a flash drive in to "mimic" a fob. Like the old times, according to this morning's story, they pull the cover off the steering column and attach in there somehow. They've apparently been doing this in parking lots and garages round here as well as at homes.

Not sure if this makes a difference but mine had a push button on the dash.

 

[Gliderman8]

I have heard about this trend and, having a KIA Telluride, I am of course a bit concerned. If my car were stolen, I have dual tracking systems in place. One is the KIA EVO system (a subscription based system) that alerts me if my car moves and passes through a "fence." I also have an Apple Air Tag hidden in the car that would not be easily found, so at least I'm fairly confident that I'd be able to alert police to the exact location of my car if it were ever stolen. Also, not sure this is the case in all KIAs, but mine will shut off after a few minutes if it is driven any distance without the Key Fob in the car. In fact, my car will not start unless the fob is physically in the car, but I'm not sure if this model is susceptible to being bypassed as most of the stories just refer to "Kai and Hyundai" but not specific models. Nevertheless, it's upsetting that technology can so easily be exploited. I personally feel that the penalty for car theft should be harsh and swift!

Tell me more about the Apple Air Tag that you have in your car.....
Regarding the battery in the Air Tag, do you have to change it on a regular basis or is does it charge from the car?
Also, I always thought the Air Tag had to be in proximity of your iPhone to work. Tell me more....

 

[mikephillips]

Not sure if this makes a difference but mine had a push button on the dash.

As I understood from what they were saying this morning you still use the push button. Somehow the stuff on the flash makes the car think the fob is there to unlock the system. But, they news guys details were not really complete and they didn't say exactly how it worked beyond that somehow it bypassed the system checks.

 

[Basil]

Tell me more about the Apple Air Tag that you have in your car.....
Regarding the battery in the Air Tag, do you have to change it on a regular basis or is does it charge from the car?
Also, I always thought the Air Tag had to be in proximity of your iPhone to work. Tell me more....

Well, I have an Apple AirTag and it’s hidden in my car The AirTag is linked to my Apple account and uses ultra wideband technology. If I leave an item with an air tag in a restaurant, for example, I can use the “Findmy App” to locate it on a map. Then, if I go to the restaurant I can use the iPhone FindMy app to “locate nearby” to zero in. As long as I’m within Bluetooth range It will tell me exactly how many feet away it is and in what direction I need to walk. Here’s a screen shot of an item I have an AirTag on at my house.

 

[Gliderman8]

Well, I have an Apple AirTag and it’s hidden in my car The AirTag is linked to my Apple account and uses ultra wideband technology. If I leave an item with an air tag in a restaurant, for example, I can use the “Findmy App” to locate it on a map. Then, if I go to the restaurant I can use the iPhone FindMy app to “locate nearby” to zero in. As long as I’m within Bluetooth range It will tell me exactly how many feet away it is and in what direction I need to walk. Here’s a screen shot of an item I have an AirTag on at my house.
View attachment 79791

Thanks for the details. I am now thinking of hiding one in my Triumph. So if I understand, the "Findmy app" works within any distance but once in bluetooth range you can "zero in" on the AirTag.
Are there any tips for hiding one in my Triumph as far as "good places" or "bad places" regarding reception?

 

[Basil]

Thanks for the details. I am now thinking of hiding one in my Triumph. So if I understand, the "Findmy app" works within any distance but once in bluetooth range you can "zero in" on the AirTag.
Are there any tips for hiding one in my Triumph as far as "good places" or "bad places" regarding reception?

That's basically it. I'm sure, like anything else, there are limitations, but in general, that's how it works. I'm sure if you put it in an RF resistant case or location it would be an issue. When the item is not nearby (say you left it in a store in town) the AirTag actually uses other peoples' nearby Apple devices to propagate it's location to the Apple network and to you - all transparent and secure. There are a ton of good videos out there that describe the AirTags, how they work, and their limitations.

 

[GregW]

My neighbor has an airtag on his dog's collar.

 

[Silverghost]

My ex-brother-in-law has moved into supportive living and we put an AirTag on his wallet, his keys, and his briefcase. Then the FindMy app is on his phone. The tags do work really well. We had one of the tags at our house - some distance away - and when we pulled up the app, it showed that two of the tags were in close proximity and the other was at our house. As for the batteries, I believe you're supposed to replace them once a year? I imagine you'll get a low battery warning of some type.

 

[Gliderman8]

Definitely going to put (hide) one on my bike and probably my Triumph.