Observers report that attackers prepare for car theft by placing radio beacons at car washes or service stations and by blocking signals from security systems in parking areas of malls. This information comes from the head of the laboratory focused on theft protection, Andrey Kondrashov, speaking to socialbites.ca about these tactics [Source: Kondrashov].
In parking facilities, thieves can disrupt the activation signal used in keyless entry when the owner steps away from the vehicle. Their aim is to force the owner to lock the car using a physical key so that the alarm remains silent. This misdirection leads many drivers to assume the remote battery is drained, a belief Kondrashov notes is common when a theft occurs after someone tries to replace the battery or check the fob. The criminals often install GPS beacons on the vehicle they intend to steal, typically at a car wash or during a service visit, giving them a roadside advantage before the crime is carried out [Source: Kondrashov].
Beacons are affixed to the car’s exterior with magnets or placed in concealed areas inside a serviced vehicle, such as beneath a seat or within a wheel-well niche. In many cases, detection requires specialized equipment, making the taint hard to notice until it is too late [Source: Kondrashov].
These methods have parallels in North American contexts where car owners rely on keyless systems and remote alerts. Public safety and vehicle security professionals urge drivers to verify alarm status after exiting a vehicle and to be cautious of signals that seem inconsistent with fob activity. Regular inspections at trusted service centers, combined with awareness of unusual beacon or sensor placements, can help reduce risk. Security teams emphasize that visualization tools and diagnostic equipment used by authorized technicians are essential for uncovering hidden beacons or magnets in and around a vehicle. When theft attempts are suspected, technicians may perform a thorough check beyond simple battery replacement to ensure the system is intact [Source: Kondrashov].
It is important for owners to know the signs of tampering, such as unexpected door locks, abnormal battery drain, or inconsistent alarm behavior. If a vehicle’s security system reacts unpredictably during routine use, scheduling a professional inspection can prevent further loss. As with any high-risk security scenario, a proactive approach that includes neighborhood awareness, regular maintenance, and proper parking choices can significantly lower the chances of a theft. Marked references and field reports from security researchers support the idea that criminal groups rely on exploiting gaps in routine car operation to execute their plans [Source: Kondrashov].