stealing cars

Kalista · 11-04-2004, 05:16 AM

This was seen on Dateline... It seems that car thieves have found
another way to steal your car or truck without any effort at all.
The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck,
write down the VIN number from the label on the dash, go to a local
car dealership and request a duplicate key based on the VIN number.
The car dealer's parts dept. will make a duplicate key from the VIN number
and collect payment from the thief who will return to your car.

He doesn't have to break in, do any damage to the vehicle, or draw attention
to himself. All he has to do is to walk up to your car, insert the key
and off he goes to a local chop shop with your vehicle.

You don't believe it? It is that easy. To avoid this from happening to you,
simply put some tape (electrical tape, duct tape or medical tape)
across the VIN label located on the dash board. By law,
you cannot remove the VIN number, but you can cover it so it can't be
viewed through the windshield by a car thief. You may wish to forward
this to your friends before some other car thief steals another car or truck.

Roadrunner · 11-04-2004, 08:36 AM

Thanks for the heads up tip Sabrina, I hadn't realize that they could resort to that sort of thing...but wouldn't a dealership think twice before giving a key to just anyone? But it's something worth looking into more and ofc, in the meantime...to 'cover' up the VIN number!

***VamPyroX*** · 11-04-2004, 09:00 AM

I'm not worried. This process is very time-consuming so the likely cars to be targets are the ones at dealerships. They aren't going to waste their time trying to steal cars in parking lots, malls, etc. By the time the get the VIN number, head to the dealer to get the key, and then return... the car will be long gone. Secondly, the process isn't really a "come-and-go" process. The dealership has to go through a long confirmation process to confirm the ownership, lease, deed, insurance, etc. This incident was found to be true cuz it happened two years ago. I'm sure that after what happened, they made more security precautions with technology these days as compared to what they had years ago.

Roadrunner · 11-04-2004, 10:07 AM

Heh...of course you wouldn't be worrying VamPyroX...since you don't have a car yet...

On the other hand, what you stated about the long due process with confirmation at the dealership...and considering such vehicles would be long gone...consider how some of these masterminds work, studying which vehicles are usually at the mall daily for instance...i.e., mall workers, etc. and going for those vehicles....Pretty much how some masterminded robbers work when it comes to hitting certain houses, knowing which ones would be easily assessible, have more valueables, etc.,....Yet, you do have a point...more security precautions are now being mandated with newer technological advances....

Beowulf · 11-04-2004, 12:06 PM

A couple times I lost the keys to my cars, and I was surprised at how easy it was to get keys made via the VIN numbers. The locksmith is supposed to ask you questions first, making sure you have proof that you own the car in question, but nope, it was easy as pie...

Kalista · 11-04-2004, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadrunner

Heh...of course you wouldn't be worrying VamPyroX...since you don't have a car yet...

Ugh ??? Why would VamPyroX needs a car for ?? He tends to flying around during mid of night to suck ladies's neck. He does not need a car. He is very lucky to not pay the loan, tax and insurance on the car.

***VamPyroX*** · 11-04-2004, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadrunner

Heh...of course you wouldn't be worrying VamPyroX...since you don't have a car yet...

On the other hand, what you stated about the long due process with confirmation at the dealership...and considering such vehicles would be long gone...consider how some of these masterminds work, studying which vehicles are usually at the mall daily for instance...i.e., mall workers, etc. and going for those vehicles....Pretty much how some masterminded robbers work when it comes to hitting certain houses, knowing which ones would be easily assessible, have more valueables, etc.,....Yet, you do have a point...more security precautions are now being mandated with newer technological advances....

Actually, I've had my car stolen once. It was broken into, stolen, run out of gas, abandoned on the highway, found by a passer-by, reported to the police, inspected, towed to the junkyard, and reported to my parents... while I was watching the Independence Day on opening night.

CatoCooper13 · 11-04-2004, 11:50 PM

I've heard about this happening...I received an email about that some months ago. Although, it's not happened to me, but it did happen to a friend of mine years and years ago. Not by obtaining the VIN number and key -- anyway, her car was stolen overnight and was found 2 towns away and engine was still running! Overheating as we found it...at least it wasn't damaged at all nor dismantled for the chop shop at all. Phew.

Kalista · 11-05-2004, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VamPyroX

Actually, I've had my car stolen once. It was broken into, stolen, run out of gas, abandoned on the highway, found by a passer-by, reported to the police, inspected, towed to the junkyard, and reported to my parents... while I was watching the Independence Day on opening night.

Oh no.. Poor Vamp Can the insurance reimburse you some money to buy other a car ??

WBHarley · 11-05-2004, 07:40 AM

It happen to my friend.... Let's see it happen in 1996 or 1997.. Not sure which year but it did happen... He and my ex bf went fishing at the lovell pond... and the boat flipped (dont ask me why He would go on a water with no life jacket) Tex couldn't swim at all my ex bf had to have Tex on his back and swim to the shore since Tex's boat sink into the bottom of pond.. and they somehow got to my old place. then We called locksmith.. the locksmith came to the lovell pond and called GMC... GMC refused to give to locksmith the code to make the copy key.. We had to get his truck tow to the GMC.. Man we spend nearly 300. for his truck to be towe and key made Due of the VIN etc.. I am just glad that the GMC and the Locksmith was doing their job but IT WAS HIS VEHICLE!! augh

Wendy

Beowulf · 11-05-2004, 07:45 AM

Tsk tsk, all he had to do was try different locksmiths. I GUARANTEE he would have found one who would have made a key...

***VamPyroX*** · 11-05-2004, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabrina

Oh no.. Poor Vamp Can the insurance reimburse you some money to buy other a car ??

No... they only gave me $500 to repair the top that was cut when they cut a hole in the roof to get in. I got the car back... unfortunately.

Christo · 11-05-2004, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabrina

This was seen on Dateline... It seems that car thieves have found
another way to steal your car or truck without any effort at all.
The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck,
write down the VIN number from the label on the dash, go to a local
car dealership and request a duplicate key based on the VIN number.
The car dealer's parts dept. will make a duplicate key from the VIN number
and collect payment from the thief who will return to your car.

He doesn't have to break in, do any damage to the vehicle, or draw attention
to himself. All he has to do is to walk up to your car, insert the key
and off he goes to a local chop shop with your vehicle.

You don't believe it? It is that easy. To avoid this from happening to you,
simply put some tape (electrical tape, duct tape or medical tape)
across the VIN label located on the dash board. By law,
you cannot remove the VIN number, but you can cover it so it can't be
viewed through the windshield by a car thief. You may wish to forward
this to your friends before some other car thief steals another car or truck.

Well I hope someone wont make a copy key for my car to steal away because VIN cover by window shield that cant see it.

BabyAngel · 11-07-2004, 02:54 PM

Vin numbers? I didn't know about that....

About a year ago, someone throw something to hit my window to get in my car, tried to steal the radio, but it couldn't get out so they left. So I had to pay the new window and fix the radio too UGH!

Malfoyish · 11-07-2004, 07:11 PM

My mother's had her car "stolen" two times last year. Of course, she found it parked untouched after she had called the cops, her husband, her three daughters and her son in law. Cops showed up. One of 'em found it exactly where she put it. Senior moment, maybe?

Taylor · 11-14-2004, 06:11 PM

You guys are lucky (or unlucky) to get them back with minimal damage. Should my car ever get stolen, I hope they set it on fire and when its almost out, push it into the river. I wouldn't want a stolen car back. Sometimes they just steal them to go buy drugs and abandon them.

My fear is thinking about all the things it would be funny to do with a car but you can't because it would damage your car. If my car were stolen, I'd picture a bunch of guys out doing donuts in reverse. Driving at 80 mph and then putting the car in reverse 'just because'. Hitting those traffic barrels on at the construction zone to watch them go flying. If my car were stolen, I'd my car would probably be half dead, no doors or windows and the radio will be stuck on some crappy AM station.

Oh, be cautious about covering your VIN number. While probably not illegal, it is often needed. On many occasions, we'll get tags that are stolen off of a car and the only way to find the registered owner is through the VIN number. If its covered, the car gets towed and stored at owners expensive (if its parked on a city street, its illegal to be parked with no tags and can be towed).

Reba · 11-14-2004, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taylor

You guys are lucky (or unlucky) to get them back with minimal damage. Should my car ever get stolen, I hope they set it on fire and when its almost out, push it into the river. I wouldn't want a stolen car back.

I know what you mean. Someone stole my hubby's locked motorcycle from the barracks parking lot. A year later, the FBI visited hubby at work. They said they found his motorcycle in the next state, and it had been involved in a hit and run accident. They asked if he wanted the pieces back, ha!

Hubby told them that he had already gotten the insurance money for it, so they could keep it.

***VamPyroX*** · 11-14-2004, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

I know what you mean. Someone stole my hubby's locked motorcycle from the barracks parking lot. A year later, the FBI visited hubby at work. They said they found his motorcycle in the next state, and it had been involved in a hit and run accident. They asked if he wanted the pieces back, ha!

Hubby told them that he had already gotten the insurance money for it, so they could keep it.

He should have said, "Yes!" He would make a profit selling the parts on eBay!

Reba · 11-15-2004, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VamPyroX

He should have said, "Yes!" He would make a profit selling the parts on eBay!

It was many years ago, before eBay was invented, ha, ha!

Actually, after you accept money for a stolen or totalled vehicle, it belongs to the insurance company.

***VamPyroX*** · 11-15-2004, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

It was many years ago, before eBay was invented, ha, ha!

Actually, after you accept money for a stolen or totalled vehicle, it belongs to the insurance company.

How would the insurance company know you profited from it? You're making money in cash!

Just kidding! Heh!

sequoias · 11-15-2004, 05:09 PM

Today, someone got in my car and stole my stereo, $2 worth of quarters and the key card (dumb me shouldn't leave that thing in there). The other car in the same garage has broken window and I dont' know what they stole. Police came and we reported him for that, wonder how he got in my car, my car wasn't even damaged. That stereo was free and the CD player skips anyway, let them have it and kiss it.

posts from hell · 11-30-2004, 11:03 PM

There are many other ways to steal cars. One other stupid thing people DO and STILL do is leave their keys in the vechiles.

I know this for a fact too, just please don't bother asking.

11-04-2004, 05:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
Kalista Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 7,349	stealing cars This was seen on Dateline... It seems that car thieves have found another way to steal your car or truck without any effort at all. The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck, write down the VIN number from the label on the dash, go to a local car dealership and request a duplicate key based on the VIN number. The car dealer's parts dept. will make a duplicate key from the VIN number and collect payment from the thief who will return to your car. He doesn't have to break in, do any damage to the vehicle, or draw attention to himself. All he has to do is to walk up to your car, insert the key and off he goes to a local chop shop with your vehicle. You don't believe it? It is that easy. To avoid this from happening to you, simply put some tape (electrical tape, duct tape or medical tape) across the VIN label located on the dash board. By law, you cannot remove the VIN number, but you can cover it so it can't be viewed through the windshield by a car thief. You may wish to forward this to your friends before some other car thief steals another car or truck. __________________ Enjoy the summer as much as we can. The times will fly !

11-04-2004, 09:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
*VamPyroX* bloody phreak from hell Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Hell Posts: 26,491	I'm not worried. This process is very time-consuming so the likely cars to be targets are the ones at dealerships. They aren't going to waste their time trying to steal cars in parking lots, malls, etc. By the time the get the VIN number, head to the dealer to get the key, and then return... the car will be long gone. Secondly, the process isn't really a "come-and-go" process. The dealership has to go through a long confirmation process to confirm the ownership, lease, deed, insurance, etc. This incident was found to be true cuz it happened two years ago. I'm sure that after what happened, they made more security precautions with technology these days as compared to what they had years ago. __________________ Check out my city... CLICK HERE! (If you already visited yesterday, visit again today!)

11-04-2004, 11:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
CatoCooper13 Am attached and in LOVE! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Sonoma County, California Posts: 6,419	I've heard about this happening...I received an email about that some months ago. Although, it's not happened to me, but it did happen to a friend of mine years and years ago. Not by obtaining the VIN number and key -- anyway, her car was stolen overnight and was found 2 towns away and engine was still running! Overheating as we found it...at least it wasn't damaged at all nor dismantled for the chop shop at all. Phew. __________________ Til I hold my bub in my arms.

11-14-2004, 06:11 PM	#16 (permalink)
Taylor Banned Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,586	You guys are lucky (or unlucky) to get them back with minimal damage. Should my car ever get stolen, I hope they set it on fire and when its almost out, push it into the river. I wouldn't want a stolen car back. Sometimes they just steal them to go buy drugs and abandon them. My fear is thinking about all the things it would be funny to do with a car but you can't because it would damage your car. If my car were stolen, I'd picture a bunch of guys out doing donuts in reverse. Driving at 80 mph and then putting the car in reverse 'just because'. Hitting those traffic barrels on at the construction zone to watch them go flying. If my car were stolen, I'd my car would probably be half dead, no doors or windows and the radio will be stuck on some crappy AM station. Oh, be cautious about covering your VIN number. While probably not illegal, it is often needed. On many occasions, we'll get tags that are stolen off of a car and the only way to find the registered owner is through the VIN number. If its covered, the car gets towed and stored at owners expensive (if its parked on a city street, its illegal to be parked with no tags and can be towed). Last edited by Taylor; 11-14-2004 at 06:19 PM.

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11-04-2004, 08:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
Roadrunner Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,090	Thanks for the heads up tip Sabrina, I hadn't realize that they could resort to that sort of thing...but wouldn't a dealership think twice before giving a key to just anyone? But it's something worth looking into more and ofc, in the meantime...to 'cover' up the VIN number!

11-04-2004, 10:07 AM	#4 (permalink)
Roadrunner Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,090	Heh...of course you wouldn't be worrying VamPyroX...since you don't have a car yet... On the other hand, what you stated about the long due process with confirmation at the dealership...and considering such vehicles would be long gone...consider how some of these masterminds work, studying which vehicles are usually at the mall daily for instance...i.e., mall workers, etc. and going for those vehicles....Pretty much how some masterminded robbers work when it comes to hitting certain houses, knowing which ones would be easily assessible, have more valueables, etc.,....Yet, you do have a point...more security precautions are now being mandated with newer technological advances....

11-04-2004, 12:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
Beowulf Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,020	A couple times I lost the keys to my cars, and I was surprised at how easy it was to get keys made via the VIN numbers. The locksmith is supposed to ask you questions first, making sure you have proof that you own the car in question, but nope, it was easy as pie...

11-05-2004, 07:40 AM	#10 (permalink)
WBHarley Multitaskin' Wanderin'Mom Join Date: May 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 1,368	It happen to my friend.... Let's see it happen in 1996 or 1997.. Not sure which year but it did happen... He and my ex bf went fishing at the lovell pond... and the boat flipped (dont ask me why He would go on a water with no life jacket) Tex couldn't swim at all my ex bf had to have Tex on his back and swim to the shore since Tex's boat sink into the bottom of pond.. and they somehow got to my old place. then We called locksmith.. the locksmith came to the lovell pond and called GMC... GMC refused to give to locksmith the code to make the copy key.. We had to get his truck tow to the GMC.. Man we spend nearly 300. for his truck to be towe and key made Due of the VIN etc.. I am just glad that the GMC and the Locksmith was doing their job but IT WAS HIS VEHICLE!! augh Wendy

11-05-2004, 07:45 AM	#11 (permalink)
Beowulf Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,020	Tsk tsk, all he had to do was try different locksmiths. I GUARANTEE he would have found one who would have made a key...

11-07-2004, 02:54 PM	#14 (permalink)
BabyAngel ~AnGeLa~ Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Birmingham, Alabama Posts: 1,625	Vin numbers? I didn't know about that.... About a year ago, someone throw something to hit my window to get in my car, tried to steal the radio, but it couldn't get out so they left. So I had to pay the new window and fix the radio too UGH!

11-07-2004, 07:11 PM	#15 (permalink)
Malfoyish Keepin' it real... Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New York Posts: 2,656	My mother's had her car "stolen" two times last year. Of course, she found it parked untouched after she had called the cops, her husband, her three daughters and her son in law. Cops showed up. One of 'em found it exactly where she put it. Senior moment, maybe?

11-15-2004, 05:09 PM	#21 (permalink)
sequoias Railfan 4 life! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: The Evergreen State Posts: 11,563	Today, someone got in my car and stole my stereo, $2 worth of quarters and the key card (dumb me shouldn't leave that thing in there). The other car in the same garage has broken window and I dont' know what they stole. Police came and we reported him for that, wonder how he got in my car, my car wasn't even damaged. That stereo was free and the CD player skips anyway, let them have it and kiss it.

11-30-2004, 11:03 PM	#22 (permalink)
posts from hell the central down under Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 254	There are many other ways to steal cars. One other stupid thing people DO and STILL do is leave their keys in the vechiles. I know this for a fact too, just please don't bother asking.