Bluetooth may link thieves to valuables
Q: I’ve heard that thieves can target people using Bluetooth. How does this work and how can I protect myself ?
A: Mobile devices such as tablets, smart phones and laptops use Bluetooth to connect to other devices. This includes wireless mouses and keyboards, your car audio system as well as other mobile devices.
With Bluetooth enabled, mobile devices announce their presence so that other, usually approved devices can connect.
The problem is that Bluetooth acts as sort of a beacon that transmits a message that more or less says, “Here I am” and will also identify itself as to what kind of device it is. This broadcast can be detected up to several feet away.
In today’s connected world, this is a huge convenience as we continue to link our technology. But is also a liability.
There are a number of mobile apps that will allow the user to scan for Bluetooth signals. The more capable apps will even tell you the name of the device and give you an idea of how far away it is.
Thieves can use this type of app to locate mobile devices that you might have stashed in your car. Some of these apps are so precise that thieves can tell where in your car the device may be stored, whether it’s in the trunk or under the passenger seat and so on. This makes a smash and grab much more feasible to the would-be thieves, who might pass on a car that has no technology transmitting and target a car that is more likely to contain something valuable.
My advice would be to avoid leaving technology in your car when shopping, dining out or visiting with friends. And I would never leave valuable devices in your car overnight.
If you must leave something like a phone, tablet or laptop in your car, take a moment and power it off completely. That will ensure it is not broadcasting its presence to anyone within range who might want to steal it.