`Anti-Code Grabbing' Aimed At High-Tech Auto Thieves

If you've shopped for a car security system recently you may have heard a dealer talk about a feature called "anti-code grabbing."

In a few U.S. cases, and many more in Europe, police have discovered that sophisticated car thieves are using a radio scanner device to help them steal cars equipped with alarm systems. These transceivers allow the bad guys to intercept a digital code signal that's emitted whenever car owners use their remote control to arm or disarm a security system. Later, when the coast is clear, the thieves use the transceiver to retransmit the captured code, which unlocks the car's doors and disarms the alarm.

Earlier this year, Clifford introduced an extensive lineup of car alarm systems with what it calls "anti-code-grabbing" technology. Since then, Directed and VSE have announced the feature in a few new models. Other companies, including Code-Alarm, Excalibur, Seco-Lam and Ungo, plan to offer it soon.

Never the same code twice

How do these devices work? The remotes on the anti-code-grabbing systems never transmit the same code twice. So a code intercepted by a thief can't be used to unlock and disarm this car alarm.

The technology adds about $100 to the cost of a car security package, with a top-of-the-line Clifford Intelliguard system selling for about $450 installed, says Robin Tepper of Philadelphia's Tepper's AutoSound.

Other hot features now being pushed in car alarms include microwave warn-away sensors with voice synthesis (especially good for protecting convertibles), a coded valet switch, selectable silent arming, prewarning shock sensors (that beep gently at lurkers before they blast) and illuminated entry. Most bizarre are the new interior pain generators - noxious noise, strobe light and smoke-makers which work better than Pavlov's electric jolts to drive the rats out of your car.

Another accessory to seriously consider along with any car security system is a plain old mechanical hood lock (or a fancy electronic one), to thwart tag-team auto thefts. Increasingly, one crook breaks into the car and pulls the hood-release handle while the accomplice opens the hood and cuts the siren wires. Who pays attention to a car alarm that only wails for a few seconds? Nobody!

Auto electronics maker Eclipse is so sure its new car CD players are theft-proof that it's offering free replacement if the models (ECD-415, $659 and ECD-414, $529) are stolen within the first year of purchase.

Inserting a special CD

Like many others car stereos, these security code-equipped units are automatically disabled when removed from power. But here's the twist. Instead of re-activating the unit by entering a security code, the owner gets these models going by inserting a special CD that the unit has been programmed to recognize. After 10 unsuccessful attempts to re-start play (by installing a non-coded CD), the models' display screen prompts the unauthorized user to contact Eclipse for free repair and shipping.

Once they've got the unit back, Eclipse reads the chip-encoded electronic serial number, notifies the owner, and alerts police to the name and address of the unauthorized user.

The free-replacement offer is good even if the company doesn't recover the unit. However, a special form and a police report must be filed. For Eclipse dealer info, call 1-800-233-2216.