domrvt 0 Posted May 31, 2017 I've seen this story in a few places today: http://www.10news.com/news/3-arrests-6-sought-in-jeep-wrangler-theft-ring Jeeps are stolen using duplicate keys made from the VIN in the windshield. Can any officers or others comment on the legality of covering the VIN displayed in the windshield in California? Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bp619 102 Posted May 31, 2017 Wow 150 jeeps and pretty bad system on chryslers side, when I worked for bmw the keys were all made in germany and the registration and license had to match and be faxed to them inorder for it to be made and shipped. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ADV Bum 205 Posted May 31, 2017 I think you are supposed to produce registration and ID when getting key made. I have a feeling they had a connection somewhere since they were able to get two different codes to sync the vehicle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHunter 15 Posted June 3, 2017 It's been a decade since I worried about such things, so I reviewed some sections of the CA Veh Code. I could not find anything preventing anyone from covering their VIN. I also never heard of a violation of this type while working. Usually, I saw VIN's covered on "cold plated" stolen vehicles, where the license plates mounted on the stolen vehicle were from another similar vehicle. A lot of people don't notice their plates - especially if it's just one - missing. This gives thieves a few more days in your vehicle if it stays stateside. Covering the VIN eliminates verifying the status of the vehicle. If I had a Jeep, I'd toss a piece of paper or whatever over it and not worry about it. https://www.amazon.com/BOLT-7026128-Jeep-Wrangler-Hood/dp/B00VGX2PTE ^^since the media piece mentioned they lift the hood to snip alarm wires. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan Diego 40 Posted June 3, 2017 I have a little insight here. The bad guys ended up being connected with a dealer in Cabo. The thieves would go shopping for Jeeps, snapping a photo of the VIN then "ordering" a set of keys from the dealer. Efficient process, eh? One of my friends locally had his Rubicon swiped in front of his shop. Chased the guy to Otay (using iPhone's FindMyPhone feature). He got a lot of his belongings back but the Jeep had gone south via that POE. And the investigation continues. Bottom line: If they want it, they'll get it. You can measures to make it more difficult (parking inside, kill switch, etc.) and that's a good idea. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
domrvt 0 Posted June 5, 2017 On 6/3/2017 at 10:16 AM, TrophyHunter said: It's been a decade since I worried about such things, so I reviewed some sections of the CA Veh Code. I could not find anything preventing anyone from covering their VIN. I also never heard of a violation of this type while working. Usually, I saw VIN's covered on "cold plated" stolen vehicles, where the license plates mounted on the stolen vehicle were from another similar vehicle. A lot of people don't notice their plates - especially if it's just one - missing. This gives thieves a few more days in your vehicle if it stays stateside. Covering the VIN eliminates verifying the status of the vehicle. If I had a Jeep, I'd toss a piece of paper or whatever over it and not worry about it. https://www.amazon.com/BOLT-7026128-Jeep-Wrangler-Hood/dp/B00VGX2PTE ^^since the media piece mentioned they lift the hood to snip alarm wires. Funny, I ordered this after reading the article: https://www.amazon.com/Tuffy-292-01-Jeep-Wrangler-Hood/dp/B007I6Z05Y Thanks for looking into it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHunter 15 Posted June 6, 2017 Appreciate the topic. My son has a Rubicon, so I forwarded the article and lock suggestion to him, along with covering the VIN. Thx. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BSon2or4 28 Posted June 7, 2017 Chances are the person boosting the vehicles is familiar with the no original key recoding process and has the dealer tool or a reasonable clone of one. Each key from what I remember from my Jeep Commander has its own individual code much like a garage door remote. The original key has to be present to program without the tool and with the tool the one that the thief used could be programmed to be the original. But then again that was in 08', just about a decade old information, I'm sure they've updated the security protocols since then...Right? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mikey777 44 Posted June 8, 2017 Securing your hood might be a good idea. I've had friends have their batteries ripped off. I guess that is what happens when stick your Optima battery sticker on the back bumper and you have crappy hood latches. https://www.quadratec.com/categories/jeep_body_frame/hoods_accessories/hood_locks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites