The Auto Crimes Enforcing Unit reports that since January 2026, MCPD has arrested over 90 juveniles and 40 adults for car theft. There has been a 20% increase in auto thefts compared to earlier in the year. 

Particularly vulnerable are automobiles with keyless key-fob type entry. The convenience of keyless entry systems has fundamentally changed how people interact with their vehicles, allowing doors to unlock and engines to start with the fob remaining in a pocket or bag. This technology relies on the key fob and the car constantly communicating via low-power radio signals. While this hands-free operation is highly desirable, it creates a new type of vulnerability where those same signals can be accessed by unauthorized devices. The goal of signal blocking is to prevent this access, securing the vehicle by completely isolating the electronic signature of the key fob. 

MCPD warns that thieves are using key fob signal replicators to clone remote signals, enabling them to unlock and start vehicles without keys or key fobs. Devices like the “Autel electronic key programming device” can cost several thousand dollars but allow theft of high-value cars, even if the fob is safely stored inside your home. 

Modern electronic key programming devices, including Autel models, can communicate with the vehicle’s immobilizer and keyless entry system via low‑power radio signals (commonly 315 MHz or 433 MHz). Thieves can intercept these signals use relay attacks, where one device captures the signal from the device, and another retransmits it to the car, tricking it into thinking the key is present. 

Montgomery County Police are distributing free steering wheel locks to prevent theft. They are available for free at Montgomery County district police stations. They are also encouraging residents to install tracking devices (e.g., Apple AirTags) to aid recovery. 

Your key fob itself may have a power-saving or “sleep” mode, which can be activated by pressing a specific button sequence, like holding the lock button and pressing the unlock button twice, to temporarily stop the signal transmission. But you would need to remember to engage and disengage this sequence every time you want to use or stop the signal. 

A true Faraday enclosure may be a more convenient way to prevent your device signal from being intercepted. It is lined with conductive material (e.g., copper mesh, nickel/copper fabric, or metallized polyester) that forms a continuous conductive cage. When properly sealed, it blocks both incoming and outgoing RF signals, preventing the device from transmitting or receiving. A box would allow you to store multiple key fobs and spares in one place. A properly designed and used Faraday device can block the RF signals from an Autel electronic key programming device, making relay theft attacks impossible while still allowing normal use when the device is outside of the enclosure. 

What to look for: 

Certified Faraday pouch/box: Must be independently tested for ≥60 dB attenuation at key fob frequencies (315 MHz, 433 MHz, and newer systems like 868 MHz/915 MHz). 

Secure closure: Roll‑top, zipper, or tight seal to prevent signal leakage. 

Non‑conductive outer shell: Leather, nylon, or fabric to protect the device while allowing the conductive lining to work 

Tips from MCPD: 

  • Remove valuables from vehicles. 
  • Lock all doors and windows. 
  • Use wheel locks and consider tracking devices. 
  • Report suspicious activity immediately. 
  • Store key fobs inside a proper Faraday pouch/box when not in use. 
  • Avoid leaving key fob near entry points or windows, where signals can be captured. 
  • For long‑term storage, a Faraday box is more durable than a pouch 

If you live in Montgomery County, staying vigilant and using these preventive measures can help reduce your risk of becoming a victim.