Auto Theft In Maryland Is On The Rise

In the state of Maryland, vehicle thefts are increasing at an alarming rate. According to the Maryland Department of State Police there were a total of 23,955 total reported vehicle thefts in Maryland for the year 2023. That number represents an increase of 112.8% from the reported total of 11,255 in 2019. From 2022-2023 alone the state of Maryland experienced an uptick in reported auto thefts of 99.3%. Up from a total of 12,019 in 2022 to 23,955 in 2023. There is no data available for 2024 at the time of this writing.

— https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/OfficeoftheSuperintendent/VehicleTheftStatistics.aspx

— https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Documents/Vehicle%20Theft%20Analysis%202019%20through%202023%20in%20Maryland.pdf

There are numerous methods for potential thieves to employ while trying to steal a vehicle. They range from low-tech options all the way to highly sophisticated equipment that is not commonly available. The list below will go over a few of the most common examples.

• Steal keys to the vehicle
• Damage the vehicle’s ignition so it can turn without a key — Many Hyundai and Kia owners have fallen prey to this type of theft. Vehicles that DO NOT have immobilizers equipped are vulnerable to this type of attack.
• Use commonly available tools to program new keys or simulate existing working keys to a vehicle without owners knowledge — This method requires the thief to gain access to the vehicle and connect a programming tool / scanner via the OBD port.
• Relay attacks — This is a more sophisticated attack designed to be used against modern vehicles with proximity keys and push-to-start ignition systems.

Watch a relay attack in action — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR8RrmEizVg

While it can be very difficult to stop a motivated thief, following certain precautions can help limit exposure to auto theft.

• Be mindful of car keys. Never leave keys inside an unattended vehicle. Don’t lose or misplace them. Place a GPS tracker such as an Apple AirTag, or other similar device on a key ring.
• Place a GPS tracker inside a vehicle.
• Try to avoid parking in secluded locations. Instead, seek out parking in well lit locations with good visibility.
• Park vehicles inside garages whenever possible.
• Be sure to always lock any unattended vehicle. Do not keep valuable belongings inside an unattended vehicle.
• Do not store keys not in use near exterior doors or windows.
• For vehicles with proximity keys and push-to-start ignitions, store car keys not in use in a Faraday bag. This will help prevent relay attacks.

Explanation of Faraday bags for car keys — https://www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/articles/faraday-bags-for-car-keys

If a vehicle has been stolen, once recovered the owner may want to take certain precautions to help prevent a re-occurrence. Listed below are examples of services that can be done to help restore integrity to a vehicle’s security once a stolen vehicle has been recovered.

• Re-key door lock cylinder to a new/different key.
• Re-key ignition lock cylinder to a new/different key.
• If the vehicle is equipped with an immobilizer system, erase original keys and program new keys.
• Erase keyless entry remotes and program new remotes.

If your vehicle has been stolen in Maryland and you would like to have any of the above services performed on your vehicle contact Locksmith Solutions, LLC for a quote. Reach us at 443-900-1143, or at LocksmithSolutionsLLCMD.com

Locksmith Solutions, LLC is a licensed an insured mobile locksmith in Maryland. We provide on-site service where and when you need it.