HOUSTON --
A research group in Switzerland said a car's keyless entry and start button could mean an easy ride for thieves.
Researchers reportedly found that thieves can intercept remote keyless systems using cheap equipment and copy that information. That would allow them to get inside a locked car.
But researchers also said they found cars with keyless entry and push button ignition switches are the most in jeopardy because thieves could not only open, but start and steal the car.
"I thought that my car was more secure and safe, and I was OK because I had the keyless entry," Houston driver Leneice Parker said. "I thought it was more intelligent than the actual someone breaking into their car with the traditional keys."
According to the research, with the secret radio waves, a criminal could steal a car with keyless entry without popping a lock or breaking a window.
Experts said this high-tech hacking is not easy. They claim they hacked eight different types of remote-entry systems and found it worked every time.
KPRC Local 2 checked with Houston police, who said they have not heard of any cases like this. They said keyless entry has helped car thefts decrease.
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