Seen At 11: Thieves Going Digital To Break Into Cars

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Smash-and-grabs are loud and quick -- but now, thieves have a quieter way of getting into your car with just the push of a button.

In aurveillance video shown to CBS 2's Maurice DuBois, a thief can be seen using the new technique, and while it's hard to see in the video, the device in his hand is what he uses to slip into the car. An accomplice can be seen joining him seconds later, easily doing the same.

It happened to Steve Doi. The thief who broke into his car was caught on his dashboard camera. He too was seen holding what experts say is a hacking device that gave him access.

"You see this guy just start walking right in front of the car," Doi said.

Even in the video, Doi could hear the vehicle's doors unlock. Within seconds, everything of value was gone.

"You feel you've been felt outsmarted. I thought I had everything locked," Doi said.

Security expert and retired NYPD Detective Joe Giacalone says it is not surprising that thieves can hack cars.

"Your vehicle is basically a computer with a thousand little computers inside of it. It's made of software, it's made of little circuit boards which could easily be hacked into," he said.

Giacalone says hackers are using the radio frequency of the computer inside the car door to pop the lock.

It's a quick and clean getaway.

"This is apparently a slam dunk for them," Giacolone said. "It's very easy and the best part of it is it's quiet; it doesn't make any noise."

Drivers CBS 2 spoke with say it's a troubling trend.

"That's pretty scary. I'll have to watch out for that I guess," one driver said.

"That's amazing that these thieves come up with these, you know, ingenious ways to rob other people. It's just ridiculous," another added.

But Giacalone says drivers can take steps to protect themselves.

"Make yourself a tougher target for the thief. If you're going to keep anything of value in your car, keep it out of sight. Common sense is one of those things that will help you not become a victim," he said.

Experts also advise on never leaving important documents like your insurance card or registration in your glove compartment.

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