The incidence of criminals using electronic devices to jam the remote locking systems on cars is on the increase. But how do you avoid becoming a victim?
The incidence of criminals using electronic devices to jam the remote locking systems on cars is on the increase. But how do you avoid becoming a victim?
According to Willem Smith, chief executive of Old Mutual iWYZE valuables insurance, “Car jamming involves blocking a car’s remote using a standard household remote that operates on the same frequency. This prevents the locking action of the car from being activated and leads motorists to believe their cars are locked when they are not.
“Although the criminals need to be close to the vehicle being targeted for it to be effective, they rely on motorists being distracted when they lock their cars and failing to notice the beep or the lights flashing to confirm that it has locked,” said Smith.
“The driver then walks away, leaving the thief free to move in and steal any shopping or expensive items the motorist believes are locked safely inside the car or in the boot.”
While one may believe you can claim from your insurer under these circumstances, the reality is that unless there are signs of forced or violent entry, most insurance policies won't pay claims for the theft of valuables from your vehicle.
“The reason for this is that there is no real way of proving that you didn’t accidentally leave your car unlocked, leaving it a target for thieves,” says Smith.
“However, as a result of the frequency of this occurrence, iWYZE has decided that we will cover our clients, depending on the merits of, and procedures followed, in each case.”
In order to prevent car-jamming from happening to you, iWYZE recommends the following:
· Don’t walk away from your car before you engage the remote locking.
· Make sure you hear the beep of your alarm system and/ or the audible sound of the locking mechanism.
· Physically check that your doors and boot are locked… and then check again.
· Always keep your valuables in your boot and out of sight.
“Car-jamming is being executed by professional gangs and motorists should remain vigilant to prevent falling prey to this type of criminal. By being especially alert in areas like shopping centres, public car parks and even outside your children’s school, you can avoid potentially expensive losses,” Smith concludes.
