My 97 F-150 was stolen just after Christmas and the cops just called me and told me they found it. However, there is something really odd they told me.

None of the door locks were punched out and the ignition was not punched out either.

Now I have all the keys for this truck accounted for. So I'm wondering on how did this guy get my truck. Is there a way to get into the truck and start it without breaking anything?

 

A roll back truck/tow truck?

 

maybe you didnt lock it

 

Is it possible to get a new key cut just by using the VIN number?

 

Yes, but I don't know if it can be programmed with only a vin.

 

In that case you could open it up, release the e-brake etc and tow it away.

Just a thought.

 

A few months ago, I put a small piece of cardboard on the dash to cover my VIN on my other car. It's still there.

 

You don't even need to get into a vehicle to haul it off. It can be done with a car dolly and boom truck in less than 30 seconds if someone with the right equipment really wants your ride.

 

'97 F150 doesn't have PATS, and yes, it's possible to get keys cut by the VIN.

 

And I am sure there are master keys out there just like any other key type.

 

My brothers 1995 has a chip of some type that has to be plugged in the dash for it to start, not in the key like the newer ones. Is that pats first generation? What did they have in 97?

 

No chip in the keys and I chased after the vehicle in the parking lot once my wife noticed it driving away and I got a look at the guy, he was not some dealer. He was the typical type of person that would steal a car in the city I live in. Lower income, probably welfare looking person.

Now, I'm always thinking back to,"Did I lock it?" But, I have a infant son and since it is one of those 3 door trucks, I must go to the passenger side, and since I don't have power doors, I always make it a rule that as soon as I open the door to get him, I lock it. Which I had 3 people with me at the time who told me I HAD locked the truck.

The police said that the door locks weren't punched but said he could have simply jared the door open and what's odd is that there is no punched ignition. I also do not have an immobilizer installed either.

Also, what should I get them to look for when it comes to the engine? Because we're never sure on how people that steal your vehicle treat your vehicle. Should they look at the front end or back end or anything? I've never dealt with insurance companies before about a stolen anything.

 

Nah, sounds like some kinda aftermarket setup your brother's got.

 

Actually, the unfortunate thing is they recovered it. My experience is the insurance doesn't do crap unless there is visible damage. A friend of mine had his Honda Accord stolen and the recovered it wedged between 2 trees. The insurance payed for the dents and etc. but it never seemed like the car drove the same. It was found about 2 miles back in the woods so you know they were beating the crap out of it.
My brother's Dodge Ram was stolen also, and the thieves took it and dropped off an identical truck they had stolen 3 weeks before. There was no evidence of tampering with the ignition or locks on that truck and it was a '05 just like my brothers. Same color and everything. They eventually recovered my brother's but it was after the 30 days the insurance gives, so my brother didn't have to take it back. He checked it out though, and said it pretty much looked the same but with 5000 miles more on it, so we assume the just used it like it was theirs.
Good luck. I wouold definitely have a mechanic check it out all over.

 

Nope factory. If I can get a picture of it soon I will.