Thieves appear to use relay attacks to break into cars in San Jose

Thieves broke into cars in the Cambrian neighborhood of San Jose overnight, but it’s how they got inside that’s raising red flags.

Home security video captured the thieves calmly approach some parked cars and, without breaking windows or locks, begin rummaging for valuables.

The thieves apparently used technology to hijack or spoof the vehicles’ key fob systems to open the doors, generally called relay attacks.

To avoid relay attacks, security specialists recommend the following:

* Store key fobs in signal-blocking pouches, such as metal containers * Do not hang keys near doors or windows * Consider disabling the keyless feature when not in use * Park in a secure garage

This marks the second time in a week that people in the area have contacted NBC Bay Area to tell them about a