Headlight Tampered With in Michigan? Call the Police!

It used to be car thieves needed tools and time to pull off their heists. Tools ranged from coat hangers and screwdrivers to bricks and that was what was needed to just get into the car, then they had to start it.

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These days you would think it would be harder than ever to steal a vehicle, but some technological advances, that have made a driver's life easier, have increased the ease with which one can enter and drive away with your car.

How Your Car Can Be Hacked Through Your Headlight

As you can see above, new headlights aren't as simple as a bulb and a reflective surface. There is a lot going on in there that only your mechanic and some car thieves understand.

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If you've even gone to your vehicle and found one of the side panels removed or your headlight dismantled with a wire hanging out, contact the police immediately. There have been many cases with newer vehicles that are most susceptible to this method of theft.

Without going into all the techy details, a criminal will remove whatever is in their way to get to any wire that allows them to talk to your vehicle's computer, which currently is your car's headlight. Then they use a black-market device that reportedly looks similar to a Bluetooth speaker and send a message to not only unlock but, start your precious means of transportation, allowing them to simply get in and drive away.

How to Protect Yourself Against High-Tech Michigan Car Theft

Until manufacturers can provide a software update that isn't easily overcome with a bit of hacking, the best way to keep your car from being stolen is good old fashion common sense, according to KBB.com:

Park it indoors or in a well-lighted area with regular foot traffic. Move it regularly, and notify local police if you find any trim pieces missing or dislodged.

Related: Gone in 90 Seconds and Worth $300, Michigan Thieves Cashing In

By keeping your vehicle in a safe, well-lit, and traveled space, you don't give car thieves the time and privacy they need to access your car's computer wiring through your headlight or anywhere else.