The theft of Chevrolet Camaros in Los Angeles has seen a dramatic increase, potentially tied to their utilization in street takeovers, reports the L.A. Times. Both the Los Angeles Police Department and another PD in the area have observed a surge in Camaro thefts, with 10 stolen in the first two months of this year compared to just two in the same period last year in one area of south L.A. Across the city, 90 Camaro owners reported their vehicles missing in the first two months, a significant rise from last year’s seven.
Method of Theft and Motive
While these numbers pale in comparison to the overall vehicle theft rate in L.A., the theft of Camaros stands out. Authorities have identified a method used by thieves involving cloning signals from nearby key fobs using small electronic devices. This method, akin to tactics used in the past, has seen a resurgence with updated technology, potentially more accessible to younger individuals, leading to the recent spike in thefts.
Connection to Street Takeovers
Authorities speculate that the thefts might be linked to street takeovers, a trend previously associated with vehicles like Chargers and Challengers, now extending to Chevy products, particularly the Camaro. Stricter penalties have been imposed on owners participating in such events, including vehicle seizures and crushing. Despite this, some individuals seem undeterred, resorting to stealing vehicles for use in these takeovers. A 16-year-old was apprehended with a device used for stealing Camaros, which were subsequently sold on social media for profit.
Recommendations for Owners
Law enforcement agencies advise Camaro owners to secure their key fobs to prevent signal cloning, suggesting even simple measures like using a tin can or aluminum foil. Additionally, they reiterate the importance of never leaving keys inside vehicles or leaving them running unattended.
