2020 Lexus RX 450hHandout / Lexus Dozens of newer Toyota and Lexus vehicles are being stolen across Ontario with a simple trick that allows the thieves to just drive the vehicle away, CBC News reports.To steal the vehicles, the thieves use an amplifier to boost the signal of the cars key fob, assuming its within range of the vehicle. The signal is then captured, and the car can be driven without the fob nearby. More than 100 vehicles from across Canada have been stolen so far.While Toyota and Lexus vehicles seem to be targeted most often, its likely any vehicle with a key fob could be broken into using this system.Most of the stolen vehicles are destined for resale in Africa and the Middle East, explain authorities, which probably has more to do with why popular Toyota and Lexus vehicles are swiped most often.Toyota has suggested owners put their key fob in a Faraday pouch, which shields the device from radio signals. Some owners have also resorted to putting their fobs in the microwave or the freezer.Owners should also consider equipping more safeguards against the thefts, David Shum, Toyota spokesperson, said in an email to the CBC, such as an aftermarket alarm system, steering wheel lock and diagnostic-port lock.Also, if it doesnt go without saying, dont leave your key fob near the front door where thieves can easily steal the
Origin: Thieves stealing Toyota, Lexus vehicles using key fob ‘relay’, police warn
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Ex-Uber engineer Levandowski charged by U.S. with stealing self-driving car secrets
Former Uber Technologies Inc. engineer Anthony Levandowski was charged with stealing driverless-vehicle technology from Alphabet Inc.s Waymo unit, resurrecting the intrigue of the biggest legal battle to grip Silicon Valley in recent memory.The 33-count indictment announced August 27 by federal officials in California adds a new criminal chapter to the saga surrounding Waymos civil claims of trade-secret theft against Uber.Even after the companies abruptly settled the litigation in the middle of a high-stakes trial last year, questions remained about the mysterious engineer at the center of the turmoil.All of us have the right to change jobs, San Francisco U.S. Attorney David Anderson said at a press conference in San Jose. None of us has the right to fill our pockets on the way out the door. Theft is not innovation.Levandowski, 39, voluntarily surrendered to authorities and faces a maximum of 10 years in prison if hes convicted. Anderson said the governments investigation is ongoing, but he declined to discuss the probe further.Levandowski didnt steal anything from anyone, his lawyer, Miles Ehrlich, said in a statement. The indictment rehashes claims discredited in a civil case that settled more than a year and a half ago.In his initial court appearance Tuesday, Levandowski pleaded not guilty and was released by a judge for now on US$2 million bail and a condition that he wear an ankle bracelet. He was told to return to court September 4 for another bail hearing after prosecutors voiced concern that with his vast wealth and dual citizenship in France, he might try to charter a private plane and flee.Legal experts had long speculated about what prosecutors might have found after the San Francisco judge handling the Waymo lawsuit referred it for further investigation in May 2017 and the case produced streams of evidence and testimony embarrassing to Uber. Emails and texts revealed a deeply personal connection between Levandowski and Ubers then-chief executive officer, Travis Kalanick. The criminal charges largely mirror Waymos civil claims that Levandowski while he was still at the company hatched a plan in 2015 with Uber for him to steal more than 14,000 proprietary files, including the designs for lidar technology that helps driverless cars see their surroundings.Throughout the case, U.S. District Judge William Alsup said it seemed overwhelmingly clear Levandowski took confidential files from Waymo but that theres no smoking gun proof Uber illegally used the information.Uber said in a statement Tuesday that it has cooperated with the governments investigation and will continue to do so.Waymo said, We have always believed competition should be fueled by innovation, and we appreciate the work of the U.S. Attorneys Office and the FBI on this case.Pronto, Levandowskis latest autonomous vehicle venture, said Tuesday that its chief safety officer will take over as CEO as a result of the
Origin: Ex-Uber engineer Levandowski charged by U.S. with stealing self-driving car secrets
19-year-old charged with stealing $1.26M of new Toyota, Lexus cars in Toronto
Slow U.S. sales spell the end for the Lexus CT200h south of the border. A 19-year-old man is facing dozens of charges in the investigation of $1.26 million worth of stolen vehicles, Toronto Police say.From November 20 to December 22, 2018, police say an organized motor theft operation targeted new, high-end Lexus and Toyota vehicles in the wee hours of the morning.Thirty-six vehicles were stolen.Kevin Ramnaraine, of Montreal, was arrested July 19 and charged with 71 offences including with 35 counts of theft of a motor vehicle, 35 counts of commit an indictable offence for a criminal organization and possession of property obtained by crime.He is to appear in College Park court on Aug.
Origin: 19-year-old charged with stealing $1.26M of new Toyota, Lexus cars in Toronto
Detroit man named Henry Ford wanted for stealing tires off Fords
More cars are being stolen with the keys already inside. Henry Ford is at it again! Wait, that could be confusing. Let me clarify: Detroit-based thief Henry James Ford has reportedly cut his electronic monitoring device, mailed it back to authorities and is prowling the streets targeting cars wearing the Blue Oval. Detroit TV station WXYZ reports the 49-year-old man with a famous name has done time for assault with a dangerous weapon, receiving stolen property, larceny from a motor vehicle and more, and is currently being sought by police for breaking his parole.But he didn’t just break his parole, he smashed it like an avocado at a hipster brunch spot. Ford sent the Michigan Department of Corrections his electronic monitoring device accompanied with a note saying he was done, thanks.Now, in what is just the purest of ironies, there’s a new warrant out for the man’s arrest, this time for stealing the tires off a Ford Ecosport. Authorities allegedly found the stolen tires stacked in the bed of Ford’s F-150. “So Henry Ford, he’s stealing GPS units out of vehicles, he’s stealing tires, he’s robbing these cars,” said deputy Aaron Garcia. “It’s almost like a disgrace to the Ford Motor Company.”As they do with everyone who lands on their most wanted list, U.S. Marshals are offering a cash reward for information leading to Henry Ford’s arrest. Yup, still feels weird to write that.
Origin: Detroit man named Henry Ford wanted for stealing tires off Fords
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