Winter car theft risks rise as thieves exploit alarm hacks during cold starts
During the cold season, cars can become targets for thieves who exploit weaknesses in electronic alarms while the engine warms up in a driveway or yard. An expert in anti theft technologies, head of a specialized laboratory focused on vehicle security, explained to socialbites.ca how this tactic unfolds and why it is especially common when owners are distracted by snow removal or other routine tasks.
When a car owner approaches the vehicle, opens the doors, starts the engine, and then begins clearing snow, the ignition process and initial engine run can create an opportunity for attackers. If a nearby thief is within roughly 50 meters, they may capture the signal used to authorize the vehicle’s run and access. As soon as the owner leaves the cabin to finish clearing the car, the system can interpret the moment as an unauthorized start, causing the engine to shut down unexpectedly and trapping the owner outside. This sequence leaves the car vulnerable and the driver exposed, a scenario that is all too familiar in winter parking routines, especially when visibility is low and doors close unexpectedly. (Kondrashov, anti theft lab)
From the moment the driver realizes the vehicle dies or stalls, many owners instinctively fetch a second key and return to check the situation. In the interim, criminals may linger nearby and take advantage of the disruption to remove valuables left inside, including driver phones or important documents. The pattern shows up repeatedly in reports where a running car is suddenly unable to stay on, prompting a rush to regain control of the situation. The critical takeaway is that leaving a running car unattended is a risky move when the doors can close or lock unexpectedly, and this is a clear prompt for secure winter driving habits. (Kondrashov, anti theft lab)
Not all alarm systems are equally vulnerable. Some devices rely on speech coded signals and unique encryption keys that do not support this particular style of interception, making them less susceptible to the described method. When evaluating a vehicle’s security, owners should look for systems that minimize open signals during startup and ensure that the code exchange process involves robust, rolling authentication rather than static codes. This distinction matters for drivers across Canada and the United States, where cold starts occur frequently and urban crime patterns can vary by locale. (Kondrashov, anti theft lab)
Historically, the question remains whether a working car can be stolen if the chip key remains with the owner. Industry researchers emphasize that a layered security approach significantly reduces risk. Practical steps include using keyless entry systems with encrypted authentication, enabling motion sensing when the vehicle is unattended, and employing physical anti theft devices that add a barrier between the car and potential thieves. Car owners in snowy areas should also consider securing keys away from entry points that could be exploited by electronic scanning and blocking unauthorized access through careful placement and storage. In addition, routine maintenance of alarms, periodic firmware updates, and professional consultations can strengthen a vehicle’s defense against the kind of cold weather exploitation described above. (Kondrashov, anti theft lab)