BEWARE Of Remote Jamming- Protect your Vehicle

Criminals using remote jamming devices are making a killing by stealing goods from vehicles. No trace is left that someone had managed to get into the vehicle and the only give away is that items are missing.

The SAPS as well as insurance companies have reported a marked increase in this type of crime.Remote jamming has now become the second most common way to steal goods from a vehicle.

What is remote jamming and how does it work?

Remote jamming is when a remote control device like a remote for a garage door is used to block the signal when you lock your car.

• The criminal will sit in a parking area and watch when people get out of their cars. He then presses in the button on his remote and keeps it depressed. 
• When the owner walks off and presses their remote to lock the vehicle, the signal is jammed and the vehicle does not lock.

The problem arose because  household remote-control devices  currently use the same radio frequency as cars, like those used for gates and garage doors, 

“Icasa  have allocated another frequency band to be used for motor vehicles. 

Although this will effectively stop the blocking of the signal with a garage or gate remote-control device, it will not stop blocking the signal with a similar remote-control device or the use of professional jamming devices.

The key is that motorists must lock their doors with their remote and not leave the vehicle until they have confirmed that the door is locked,by checking the door handle.

Insurance companies do also not pay out for theft arising from this method, as there is no forced entry and damage to the vehicle.