YORK, Pa. — A new wave of auto theft is hitting Pennsylvania, and it’s happening without thieves ever breaking in.

Law enforcement agencies are warning about a sharp increase in key fob cloning and electronic vehicle thefts, where criminals use small devices to copy a car’s signal or connect directly to its onboard computer system.

“We’ve moved beyond traditional carjacking. Now, thieves are using technology,” said Steven Wheeler, with the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA).

According to ATPA’s 2024 annual report, more than 24,000 vehicles were stolen statewide last year. In 2025, several police departments across central Pennsylvania have reported more cases tied to high-tech methods like key fob cloning, relay attacks and On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port exploitation.

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