Hi All,

I have a 2002 f-150 supercrew and I have an Autostart 2 way remote starter (model # AS-2451TW-FM)

Anyways the problem is this, my truck has been broken into 3 separate times in the last two months sitting in my laneway. I know for a fact that the truck was locked on at least two of these occasions, including last night!

My question is, is there a known way that theif’s can break into these vehicles without setting off the alarm? I am wondering if they are using some kind of remote scanner to unlock the doors without setting off the alarm. I am guessing they are not jimmying the locks themselves, since I see no visible marks indicating such (the trim does not looked push back, no window scratches, etc).

Secondly my wife has a 2001 toyota highlander which we know we are locking as well and it is also being broken into (along with other vehicles on our street and around our blocks). I have seen no visible damage on hers either and the thing is, every lock on every door is open/unlocked which would lead me to believe they are not jimmying the lock, but some way are using some kind of remote transiever which is scanning and trying different key lock codes.

Anyone with any ideas on this? I shouldn’t have to park in my damn garage just because of this, but this morning/last night they decided to steal my prescription sun glasses, ownership and insurance (wtf for!), winter survival kit, broke the rear view mirror off my windshield and take a few bucks loose change I use for drive-thrus.

Of course the police 'claim' they even had increased patrol's out last night (since I obviously wasnt the only one to complain). Hell we dont even live in a bad area for that matter either, which makes it that much worse.

Thanks guys.

 

First of all that sucks. I know the feeling. My truck was broke into 5ft from the stairs to my apt.

Most remotes use a "shifting" frequency on their transmiters and receivers. Yes a scanner can pick this up but it cannot always be used to get in. Most criminals are too dumb use a scanner. Only the pro's really use scanners and if they are pro's they wont leave the vehicle.

I checked your Model # and It is not an alarm. So they can get in with a master key which are common to all makes and models without leaving any signs of entry. Or they could be one hell of a locksmith.

The sad thing is once the thieving B@st@rds find a vehicle that is easily broke into, or "target rich" environment, they will hit it repeatedly and often following the if it aint broke dont fix it mentality. My guess would be to take out anything of value and to get an alarm. VIPER and CODE are very good alarms and come with remote start and everything.

Oh and i would be careful with them having your ownership and insurance info. It is very easy to have your identity stolen with that information...let your bank, credit card company, and insurance know that they have identifying information.

 

My guess in this case, given what you've said is that they are likely using a master key. there is no forced entry in this case and I wasn't sure just how complicated or easy access a frequency scanner would be which is why I wanted to ask about it.

I realize the model of remote start I have does not include an alarm and I guess using a master key obviously will bypass the factory alarm (which i guess only works if a door handle or lock is unlocked from inside the vehicle, no? As in, breaking a window reaching in and then opening the door from the inside? Which is pretty useless by todays standards anyhow, as I see it anyways).

I am however concerned about the *******s taking my insurance, only because it has info on there that as mentioned, if they wanted to, they could start working with and making calls to start trying to steal an identity. Though thats a pretty serious crime and I would hope for their sake they wouldnt be dumb enough to try, because they WILL get caught going that far, where they may be able to at least get away with some pretty theft.

Thanks for the info and glad someone can relate.

 

Take a good look around the door handle's cause all it take's is a screwdriver to pop the molding then it's a piece of cake to open the door.

 

1. That sucks.
2. Buy a Gun.
3. Use it.

Or a less harsh method would be to install cameras into your car/ on your house so you can catch the guy, then use Step 3.