Texas Drivers: Protect Your Cars from High-Tech Thieves

Texas vehicle owners should watch out for hi-tech thieves.

Texas Technology

I guess it's no secret that cars featuring a lot of leading-edge technology. There seems to be as much computer integration and regular parts these days. It can be an absolute nightmare for car owners when some part of that system fails, because it's not as easy to take of as, say, a hose.  This technology can also be used to steal your car or truck.

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The Threat

Houston police are warning that thieves are now targeting and stealing cars and trucks by utilizing the vehicles Onboard Diagnostics Port. Yes, the little port your mechanic uses to find and take care of problems can be used in many cases to start the vehicle. Some "upper end" thieves have this pricey technology which allows them to pretty much pick and choose whatever vehicle they want. Your Onboard Diagnostics Port communicates directly with your ignition, so this is an "easy" steal.

Prevention

So what do you do about this? There is actually hope. You can buy a small device that will lock your vehicles diagnostic port. They are said to be very hard to remove. In the grand scheme of things they really aren't that pricey, it's more about remembering to do it. That said, if a thief really wants your vehicle, they're probably going to get it. The nature of crime prevention is to make is tougher on criminals so they'll move onto an easier target.