How you can beat remote jamming

PREVENTION is the best solution to the scourge of remote car jamming, a dirty tactic that’s become popular with thieves in South Africa.

Criminals are using radio transmitters to interrupt the signal emitted from a car key and the vehicle’s transponder. The scheme is simple – burglars wait in proximity to your vehicle, and as you walk away after parking they activate a signal-scrambling device to prevent you from locking your car remotely.

They then have easy access to your unattended car, and can make a quick getaway with valuables via unlocked doors and boots.

Modern cars with remote locking features operate on a fixed frequency set by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, making it relatively easy for crooks to intercept specific wavelengths between your key and car by simply using a gate remote.

While most of us are guilty of assuming our cars are secure when we press the remote key button, it only takes a moment to physically check the doors are actually locked before walking away.

Some cars also have settings for an audible chirp upon lock activation and these should be used if possible.

It’s also not advisable to tempt fate by leaving valuable items exposed on seats. Keep laptops, handbags and other valuables hidden inside the boot, and if your SUV or hatchback has a retractable blind make sure it’s in place.

South African security company Sanji has developed a car-jamming warning device called ZX Jam Alert. The mobile device is installed below the bonnet of your car and scans for other RF signals in vicinity of the vehicle.

When the device detects possible car-jamming, the device will chirp four times to alert the owner.

It costs around R1000 fitted and can be installed by car sound and security shops. Visit www.sanji. co.za to find a dealer near you.

– Motoring Staff