Nowhere to hide: Thieves using Bluetooth to find devices stashed inside of your car
FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Christmas shopping this year won't be as convenient as it has been before.
That's because, no matter where you hide those valuables in your car, they may not be safe.
Especially if they're expensive electronics like iPads and laptops.
And all because of the Bluetooth they have.
It used to be that only you knew all of the secret hiding spots around your car.
But now, a Bluetooth app, and dozens of others just like it, know too.
"And you can almost pinpoint exactly wherever that Bluetooth is and you can almost pinpoint exactly where ever that Bluetooth is and more than likely it’s going to be an electronic device such as an iPad or a MacBook or another cellphone," says Detective Garrett Majors of the Fresno Police Department.
I showed Corvaughn Archie, Brandee Duren and their daughter, Brielle, the app as they were shopping at River Park in Fresno.
"We can click on let's say this iPad, it’ll tell you how far away It is from you," I explained to them.
"It gives you longitude and latitude, dang!" said Corvaughn Archie.
"I don’t like that," said Brandee.
Archie agreed. "I don’t either, that’s scary."
They don't like it, but aren't surprised by it.
"People are getting more crafty these days when it comes to criminals," added Brandee.
Especially when they know a lot of the data and information is already out there and used for apps like Lyft and Uber.
"How GPS location works it pinpoints your ping to the cell tower, which connects it to the other person, which is how they find you when they pick you up," explained Archie.
So, with as much foot traffic as a place like River Park gets around the holidays, it becomes a gold mine for anyone looking for a quick smash and grab.
"They’re watching for people and they’re waiting for that moment of vulnerability to capitalize on that."
Archie says don't let them.
"You have to adapt the way you shop apparently."
Don't leave anything of value in your car as tempting as it may be, because Brielle and all of your kids won't be happy with you.
"I would cry and not forgive them. Not at all," exclaimed Brielle.
"What a heart." Brandee replied.
"I want my toys on Christmas." Brielle added.
So, this holiday season, it looks like we're going to have to get rid of the saying "shop till you drop," or at least modify it.
If your hands are full with all those shopping bags, resist the temptation to hide those bags in the car and get back to more shopping.
Instead, take those bags home and come back to more shopping.
It'll take you a bit longer, but like Brielle said, at least those gifts will be there.
