Slashdot Mirror


Car Thieves Arrested After Using Laptop and Malware To Steal More Than 30 Jeeps (abc13.com)

New submitter altnuc writes: Two thieves in Houston stole more than 30 Jeeps by using a laptop and a stolen database. The thieves simply looked up the vehicles' VIN numbers in a stolen database, reprogramed a generic key fob, started the cars, and drove away. Chrysler has confirmed that more than 100 of their vehicles have been stolen in the Houston area since November. Chrysler/Jeep owners should always make sure their vehicles are locked! The Wall Street Journal issued a report in July with more details about how hackers are able to steal cars with a laptop. The whole process takes roughly 6 minutes. CrimeStopHouston has posted a video on YouTube of one of the thieves in action.

8 of 215 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Why lock the car? by flyingfsck · · Score: 4, Funny

    A chain also has other uses, apart from properly securing the steering wheel to the seat of a car. I once chased off five youths with it. The improbable sight of a big bearded guy in a black leather jacket getting out of his car with a heavy chain in his hand, made them change their minds very swiftly.

    --
    Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
  2. Re: To secure your car... by flyingfsck · · Score: 4, Funny

    You may be onto something. If you fill the car with junk so it looks like a homeless den, then it probably won't get stolen either.

    --
    Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
  3. Re:I'm not a car guy by flyingfsck · · Score: 5, Funny

    When key broke, it took the dealer a week to update their Windows PC, get the proper software and program a new key, so I guess a thief could really do it in about 5 seconds...

    --
    Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
  4. Re:Why lock the car? by lucm · · Score: 3, Funny

    The improbable sight of a big bearded guy in a black leather jacket getting out of his car with a heavy chain in his hand, made them change their minds very swiftly.

    I guess they were not into the bear and cub thing

    --
    lucm, indeed.
  5. Re:Smart key for ignition, not access. by flyingfsck · · Score: 4, Funny

    Oh, I thought you'll just program a key fob for another Jeep...

    --
    Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
  6. Re:Smart key for ignition, not access. by Lumpy · · Score: 3, Funny

    "and before you accuse me of living in a basement, make sure to note my account number."

    How cute, 6 digit UID and you think you are an "old timer here"

    --
    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  7. Re: To secure your car... by TimeTraveler1884 · · Score: 5, Funny

    WTF did I just read?

    You wouldn't understand. It's a Jeep thing.

  8. Re:How will locking the car help? by NormalVisual · · Score: 3, Funny

    My guess is they can hack into the electronic ignition they can hack into the electronic door locks as well.

    And if not, there aren't many cars that a brick won't unlock.

    --
    Please stand clear of the doors, por favor mantenganse alejado de las puertas