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Could your key fob put you at risk for auto theft? Warning about new trend

Posted at 12:15 AM, Mar 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-10 14:00:47-05

It's the surveillance footage now capturing the attention of investigators across the country -- proof of a new trend in digital auto theft.

Across the country, criminals are getting a hold of a new device that allows for them to easily hack key fobs. Often times they do it by intercepting your signal as you lock and unlock the car door.

Investigators at the National Insurance Crime Bureau say they believe it's called a Relay Attack Unit, a system any criminal can easily buy online.

Because there's rarely ever security cam footage catching these criminals in the act, police don't know all that much about it.

Auto experts say the trend has yet to hit the Detroit metro area, but they worry that it could soon.

So they're recommending people stay ahead of the trend by using traditional safety measures, like locking and unlocking cars door manually.