If you own a newer model Chevrolet Camaro, your car may be at risk of theft.
The Los Angeles Police Department said in a news release that on Saturday, officers arrested a minor who had “a key cloning device.”
“These devices are about the size of a cell phone and are a programming tool that picks up the signal of a key fob nearby which the device then clones,” police said.
Cloning devices have been used in “many newer model Camaro thefts,” and in the LAPD Newton Division, 10 Camaros have been stolen just this year: a 500% increase over last year’s two thefts, police said.
Citywide, the numbers are even more staggering: 90 Camaro thefts so far this year after only seven all of last year, a 1,285% increase.
Detectives offered several tips for Camaro owners:
- Never keep your key fob inside your vehicle
- Purchase security cases that prevent key fob signals from being transmitted
- Even home remedies, such as wrapping fobs in aluminum foil or placing them inside tin cans, have been effective
Anyone with information is asked to call 323-846-6592. During non-business hours or on weekends, call 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).
To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
