National crime trend could be reaching Central Coast

UPDATE 12/16/2016 5:50 PM:

A national crime trend could not be reaching the Central Coast. Thieves are using so-called mystery devices to unlock, and in some cases, start and steal cars. One local agency believes one of these devices could have been used in a recent break-in.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau issued a warning earlier this month regarding mystery devices. According to the alert, the device was developed by engineers in an effort to provide manufacturers and other anti-theft organizations the ability to test the vulnerability of different vehicle systems. The NICB said there are a number of different devices on the market.

However, it has gotten into the wrong hands. Over the past two years, the not-for-profit group has been tracking more crimes that be linked to mystery devices. The vehicles at risk are those with keyless remotes, also called fobs, and a push-button ignition.

Salinas police is investigating a recent case where a mystery device may have been used in a break-in.

Police say a man in a Lexus pulled up to a Chevy Tahoe at a business at 14 John Street. After sitting in his car for 15 minutes, the suspect gets out of his car, gets into the Tahoe and takes the victim’s jewelry, wallet and other items.

“The victim, who had her car broken into, is sure that she locked the car and someone clearly made entry into her vehicle,” Det. Byron Gansen said. “It wasn’t forced entry, so there’s a good chance one of these devices was used in this case.”

People visiting and working at Salinas City Center hadn’t even heard of the trend.

“It’s a little scary because the criminals are more advanced than we are when it comes to that stuff,” Selena Miranda said. “They’re way ahead of us when it comes to getting into things and robbing and the best way to hack our stuff and what not.”

The NICB said while there’s no effective way to prevent this kind of crime, it’s best to not leave anything in plain view.

ORIGINAL POST:

The National Insurance Crime Bureau is warning people about mystery devices that can unlock vehicles and in some cases, start them up.

Cases have been reported across the country and now there could be a case on the Central Coast. Salinas police are investigating one particular incident where this kind of technology may have been used.

“The incident was caught on video surveillance and the victim who had her car broken into is sure that she locked the car,” Sgt. Byron Gansen said. “Someone clearly made entry into her vehicle and it wasn’t forced entry so there’s a good chance one of these devices we’ve been discussing was used in this case.”

KION’s Mariana Hicks will have more on the story tonight.