New warning about car key fobs and thefts

As thefts of cars started with key fobs are on the rise, ABC News' Gio Benitez took a closer look on how a car can be stolen even if the key fob is not inside the vehicle.

[anthonywilson]

I would not go on tv and tell the world I have no common sense. Brave man. Left a car running in philly and surprised it got stolen.

[perrysanders]

Highly recommend the remote start for that purpose. Car will not be able to be put into drive and doors remain locked.

[VideoClps]

When you buy a car, READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL. My 2017 Honda's manual says the car can be easily driven way without the key fob when starting with the push button. Read the manual.

[Tuscarora]

Lock your darn door when you let it run

[cdreamworld]

I had the same assumption when I first got a push-to-start car. It seemed logical that the car wouldn't operate without the key inside. However, when I tested it, the car did drive, which was surprising. That was back in '07. It's astonishing that even newer cars still function this way.

[Astrand]

Well one good thing about most newer fords with intelligent key fobs is that they won’t shift out of park unless the fob is physically in the car. And if it does you can use FORScan to turn on “secure idle” which turns this feature on.

[jaywholoveseveryone]

Nah, I never leave my car running for ANY THING, REASON or PERSON!

[hondaopportunity]

People no longer have common sense. I blame this man for doing the unthinkable, your fault man, and stop calling it a joy ride, these are criminals stealing cars.

[ItHappens]

Wow….the fact that ppl really lurk that hard to see who’s gonna start their car and walk off shows they have way too much time on their hands….

[destroystreets]

the cop didnt buckle up before driving lol

[TheEelnoraa]

This is a common sense. Running car can be driven away. Why anyone would think other wise.

[zeke]

Back in the old days, we used a key. You could go swimming with a key and not have to call the rental company in Miami to bring a new key down to Marathon

[twt]

Bait cars…. Use them. Also require minimum 3 years in prison.

[davidreed]

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Same thing back in the 60’s and 70’s. People let their car run and even left the keys in the ignition when parked. There’s just a lot more crooks now days.

[avaz]

To prevent these senseless thefts, somebody should invent a physical device that drivers are required to insert and rotate near the steering wheel and must remain inserted in order for the vehicle to run. 🤔🔑

[NOTABLENEEDRADIO]

Who don’t know the car can run without the key fob tho

[loganjpo]

Wouldn't have been a problem if keyless ignition didn't exist. No amount of convenience is worth sacrificing safety and security

[carterj]

Is this really a conversation? I thought we all knew this. The key fob will let you drive off, you just can’t restart the car once you’ve shut it off.

[bmhedgehog]

I thought the whole point was that the vehicle couldn’t move unless the fob was in the vehicle. Well now it’s back to the drawing board for the manufacturers to think of a way to fix this issue.

[bobbyjones]

I’ve lost the key while the car was running and so grateful it was bc my other key was at home