Marina
A new wave of high-tech car thefts is hitting neighborhoods: criminals are using legitimate mechanic tools to clone key fobs, reprogram blank keys, and drive away in minutes.
A recent incident in St. Louis County’s Central West End shows how thieves break a window, plug into the car’s OBD port, and use a handheld programmer to make a fresh key on the spot.
Security teams say targets now extend beyond Kias to higher-end models, and police confirm rings hitting Dodge Chargers, Challengers, Durangos, and Dart.
How the Scheme Works
- Thieves break a small window to access the cabin and OBD port under the dashboard.
- Using a key-programming device (the same kind mechanics legally use), they reprogram a blank key.
- The cloned key is then recognized as authorized, and the vehicle starts like normal.
- In some cases, a second suspect arrives in another car to spot or extract the thief after the job is done.
“What we suspect is using technology to clone or spoof the device that starts the car,” explained a neighborhood security leader.
Police add: “They’ll have a blank key and manipulate the system to reprogram it, essentially making a brand-new key for the vehicle.”
What’s Being Targeted Now
Security patrols report a rise in thefts involving non-Kia brands, especially Dodge models. Police say they’re seeing “a lot of top models,” including Challenger, Charger, Durango, and Dart.
These vehicles are attractive because once the immobilizer is bypassed with a cloned key, there’s no sign of forced ignition and the car can be sold or stripped quickly.
Practical Protection You Can Use Tonight
- Use a steering-wheel lock. It’s visible through the window and can deter thieves pressed for time.
- Harden the OBD port. Add an OBD lock or relocate/protect it to slow key-programming attempts.
- Park smart. Choose garages, well-lit areas, and cameras; set your car alarm to “perimeter + interior” if available.
- Key control. Don’t leave spares in the car; keep fobs well away from doors/windows at home.
- After an incident. Ask a dealer to revoke lost keys and reseed/relearn your immobilizer so cloned keys stop working.
Quick Facts (At a Glance)
| Item | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Method | Break small window → access OBD port → use mechanic tool to clone/program a blank key |
| Timeframe | Can take minutes once inside the vehicle |
| Hot Targets | Dodge models (Charger, Challenger, Durango, Dart) + other push-to-start vehicles |
| Why It Works | The tool authorizes a new key directly with the car’s computer |
| Top Deterrent | Steering-wheel lock, OBD port lock, visible security and lighting |
Today’s auto thieves don’t need to hot-wire—they use workshop-grade key programmers to clone fobs and defeat immobilizers in minutes.
With thefts spreading to high-value Dodge models and other push-to-start vehicles, owners should layer defenses: a visible steering-wheel lock, OBD protection, smart parking, and immediate key reprogramming after any break-in.
Staying one step ahead means making your car harder, louder, and slower to steal—thieves prefer quiet, fast wins.