San Jose Police Warn Public of Car Theft Trend

To protect your vehicle, the police recommend taking measures such as installing a GPS tracking device.

Cars travel along Interstate 80 in Berkeley, Calif., on Jan. 16, 2024. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

In Silicon Valley, criminals are stealing vehicles using advanced technology and using them to commit more serious crimes.

According to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD), law enforcement officers have seen a trend of “thieves using new devices to bypass the ignition systems of keyless entry vehicles.” The criminals can then drive off with the car, truck, or SUV without a physical key, making almost any vehicle susceptible to hijacking.

After stealing the vehicle, they may move on to commit violent crimes like sideshows and smash-and-grab burglaries, where thieves ram cars into businesses to steal valuables before leaving the scene.

“Vehicle theft has evolved from a matter of lost property into a growing public safety concern,” stated SJPD in the announcement.

Police said the criminals are often armed and dangerous, so the public is warned against confronting them or taking matters into their own hands. Instead, the announcement urges members of the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to the police.

When calling the police about a vehicle theft, you should provide as much information as possible, like the make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle and the suspects’ appearance or behavior, the announcement says.

In an emailed statement to The Epoch Times, SJPD said an average of about 15 vehicles are stolen in San Jose every day.

According to SJPD’s crime statistics, from January through March this year, there have been a total of 1,381 motor vehicle thefts.

On April 21, SJPD officers arrested two suspects for stealing a vehicle that was connected to several burglaries and numerous incidents of evading the police. Authorities were able to locate the stolen vehicle with the help of their department helicopter, AIR 3.

To protect your vehicle, SJPD recommends taking measures such as installing a GPS tracking device, using ignition kill switches, using a steering wheel lock, setting up surveillance cameras, and/or installing a car alarm system.

“Installing an ignition kill switch is a great way to prevent thieves from starting your vehicle, even if they manage to bypass your keyless entry system,” the announcement states.

In addition, a GPS tracking system can help police quickly recover your car if it is stolen, and a steering wheel lock can provide another layer of protection.

“While it may seem outdated, a visible steering wheel lock (or ‘club’) can be a powerful deterrent. Criminals looking for an easy target may avoid your car if they see the added security, opting instead for an easier vehicle to steal,” SJPD stated.