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Police in Stamford, Connecticut, have issued a public safety bulletin alerting residents to a growing threat: car thieves using electronic key programming devices to unlock and steal vehicles. The warning comes as multiple incidents in the tri-state area—including a brazen string of break-ins in West Harrison, New York—have left victims feeling violated and frustrated.
The devices, once used exclusively by auto technicians to create spare keys, have become widely available online and through illicit channels. According to Stamford police, criminals can now purchase them for as little as a few hundred dollars, making them a tool of choice for modern car thieves.
“These devices essentially trick the car’s onboard computer into recognizing a new key,” said Detective Mark Thompson, a spokesman for the Stamford Police Department. “Once the thief gains access, they can start the engine and drive away within seconds—no broken windows, no forced locks.”
Video footage from West Harrison, obtained by local news, shows a suspect walking calmly from car to car on Woodside Avenue on a July night. The person opens doors, rummages through interiors, and even drives off in one vehicle. Stacy Marinelli, a resident whose car was hit, described the frustration of losing several hundred dollars worth of sunglasses. “You just feel violated,” she said. “It’s like Santa Claus, but they’re taking instead of giving.”
Other neighbors reported similar experiences. Frank Marano, whose home security camera captured his car’s lights flashing as the thief approached, noted that his passenger-side door normally doesn’t open without pressing a button. “They used either a key or some other device to open it up,” he said. “Everything was open.”
The problem extends beyond the tri-state area. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), car thefts involving electronic bypass methods have risen by more than 30% nationwide since 2020. In a recent report, the FBI warned that “relay attacks” and key programming devices are becoming the preferred method for stealing modern vehicles with keyless entry systems.
To counter this trend, Stamford police recommend several practical steps. First, never leave valuables in plain sight. Second, park in a garage or well-lit area whenever possible. Third, consider installing a port lock—a physical device that blocks the OBD-II port, which thieves often use to program new keys. A steering wheel lock, while old-fashioned, can act as a visual deterrent. Finally, placing an AirTag or other GPS tracker inside the vehicle can help recover it if stolen.
“The best defense is layered security,” said automotive security expert Dr. Laura Chen, a professor at the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute. “Thieves are always looking for the easiest target. If you make it even slightly harder, they’ll move on.”
Marinelli’s family now checks the car every night before bed. “It’s become a routine,” she said. “We lock everything, remove the garage door opener, and double-check the doors.”
Not everyone is convinced these measures are foolproof. Marano, a longtime resident, remains skeptical: “I’ve been around a long time. These things don’t really deter—they just slow them down.”
In the West Harrison case, police arrested two suspects: Jahmilla Meade, 29, from the Bronx, and Michael Ramos, 31, from Staten Island. They face charges of burglary, grand larceny, and possession of a criminal device. The case is pending in Westchester County Court.
As the holiday season approaches, law enforcement is urging residents to stay vigilant. “Criminals are smart today,” said Marinelli. “If they can rob cars and disable ring cameras, they can definitely do a lot better in the world. But we can’t let them win.”
For more information on protecting your vehicle, visit the Stamford Police Department’s official website or contact your local precinct.
