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Re:Police admit they're 'stumped' by mystery car thefts by Glyptodon on Wednesday June 05, 2013 @12:46PM (#5826775)
If they were using key reprogramming/hacking there's no reason to 'always use' the passenger side front door as claimed in the video. So I don't think it's clear that these thieves are using any of those techniques.

I imagine it might be stupider, like maybe there's a way to induce the unlock button or motor to trigger via induction or something. Though I'm pretty poorly informed about that kind of thing scientifically and am likely completely wrong.

Re:Police admit they're 'stumped' by mystery car thefts by mindcrime on Wednesday June 05, 2013 @12:51PM (#5826822)
If they were using key reprogramming/hacking there's no reason to 'always use' the passenger side front door as claimed in the video.

It's a fair point, but I don't know that I'd take that at face value. That could have just been a subjective assessment that got repeated as fact. Without us having access to the actual videos or the raw numbers, it's hard to say.

So I don't think it's clear that these thieves are using any of those techniques.

Sure, and I'm not saying it's 100% certain that this is exactly how the thieves are operating.. just pointing out that it's well known that modern cars are vulnerable... if there are additional, as yet unreported vulnerabilities, would anybody be surprised?

I imagine it might be stupider, like maybe there's a way to induce the unlock button to trigger via induction or something.

That actually strikes me as semi-reasonable, without having research the matter in any depth. Where were you on the night of January 12th, when a black Suburban was stolen ...

Re:Police admit they're 'stumped' by mystery car thefts by michael_h on Wednesday June 05, 2013 @12:55PM (#5826874)
I would assume that they use the passenger side front door because that is where the storage compartment is located.
Re:Police admit they're 'stumped' by mystery car thefts by adammil on Wednesday June 05, 2013 @01:25PM (#5827113)
They use the passenger side door because its the one facing the sidewalk.
Re:Police admit they're 'stumped' by mystery car thefts by swishercutter on Wednesday June 05, 2013 @01:35PM (#5827205)
I searched for Acura MDX alarm antenna location and a quick glance tells me that the antenna is located behind the glovebox. So I would guess it probably works better from that side of the car...notice they seem to have to get very close to the car.
Re:Police admit they're 'stumped' by mystery car thefts by dclowd9901 on Wednesday June 05, 2013 @01:05PM (#5826947)
And notice they're also touching the door handle with their bare hands. There's probably some sort of exploit dealing with theses vehicles' touch-activated car unlocking feature.
Re:Police admit they're 'stumped' by mystery car thefts by speedyrev on Wednesday June 05, 2013 @01:44PM (#5827267)
If a fab is in your pocket or purse, touching the handle will open the lock.
Re:Police admit they're 'stumped' by mystery car thefts by Hyrum_Graff on Wednesday June 05, 2013 @12:59PM (#5826899)
If I was a thief then I'd always hit the passenger side front door as it gives me the quickest access to the glove compartment, where valuables are likely to be stored. Not sure what the mystery is here.
Re:Police admit they're 'stumped' by mystery car thefts by Glyptodon on Wednesday June 05, 2013 @01:08PM (#5826973)
Do people actually put valuable things in their glove boxes? I didn't think people put stuff besides proof of insurance and their car manuals in them. I'd think it a lot more likely that valuables were in the center console storage.
Re:Police admit they're 'stumped' by mystery car thefts by seanalltogether on Wednesday June 05, 2013 @01:30PM (#5827155)
I left my checkbook in the glove compartment for like a month before realizing it. I don't write physical checks often and just forgot it was in there after needing to hide it real quick.
Re:Police admit they're 'stumped' by mystery car thefts by cleverjake on Wednesday June 05, 2013 @01:19PM (#5827065)
I know multiple people who do. its a quick 'out-of-sight' place to throw something small like a purse or phone.
Re:Police admit they're 'stumped' by mystery car thefts by darkarmani on Wednesday June 05, 2013 @01:36PM (#5827210)
The glove box has a lock so it must be a good place for valuables!