Jeep Owners Affected
Jannie Robinson’s 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara was stolen two weeks ago from her home in Cardiff. It was parked outside her house and was stolen at around 9 in the morning while she was at the beach. Similarly, Chuck Hathaway’s 2014 Jeep Sahara was stolen early Sunday morning from the street in front of his house in Santee. Despite having the alarm set and the vehicle locked, it was taken.
Surveillance Footage and Owner’s Caution
In La Mesa, surveillance footage captured another Jeep theft. The owner, who chose to remain anonymous due to the thief being armed, reported the theft occurring early in the morning. These incidents highlight the rise in Jeep Wrangler thefts police have observed in recent months.
Regional Auto Theft Task Force Insights
The Regional Auto Theft Task Force has noted an increase in thefts of Jeeps, Dodges, and Rams due to the ease of reprogramming key fobs. CHP Captain Charles Leonard explained that thieves use computer software to reprogram key fobs and take control of the vehicle’s system. This spike in Jeep thefts began approximately six months ago. The stolen vehicles often end up south of the border, where the VIN number is switched before being resold in the United States. The fake VIN is typically only discovered when the new owner tries to register the vehicle with the DMV.
Preventative Measures
To mitigate the risk of theft, vehicle owners are advised to lock their doors, set car alarms, park in well-lit areas, and use deterrents like steering wheel locks. Both Jannie and Chuck had comprehensive auto insurance covering theft, though they noted the added value of geo tags and cameras for enhanced security.