Car break-ins are a growing problem, and thieves are now using digital scanners to locate valuables inside vehicles before they even approach them. These devices detect signals emitted from electronics like laptops, smartphones, and tablets, even if they’re hidden or locked in the trunk.
Rob Enderle, principal analyst with the Enderle Group, explains that criminals exploit these signals. “It might be as easy as using a smartphone to scan for Bluetooth signals,” Enderle says. “By detecting these signals, they can triangulate the approximate location of the device.”
While basic scanners can detect nearby signals, more sophisticated devices can pinpoint the source with greater accuracy. These advanced scanners, costing hundreds of dollars, are typically used to locate hidden surveillance equipment. They are now being misused by car thieves to identify vehicles containing valuable electronics.
In San Francisco’s Marina District, resident Jacqui Lewis has witnessed the aftermath of these tech-savvy break-ins firsthand. “I saw five cars broken into in a row, one morning walking home from work,” Lewis recounts. She notes that increased police patrols offered only a temporary solution. “It deterred them briefly,” Lewis explains, “but as soon as police left to respond to another incident, more break-ins occurred.”
Enderle suggests a simple solution to protect against digital scanning: power down your devices. “Turning off the device prevents it from broadcasting a signal,” he advises. “When in doubt, remove the battery entirely. With no battery, the device can’t transmit anything.” This proactive measure can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target for thieves using digital scanners.
