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Comment by Glyptodon | Hacker News Reader

If they were using key reprogramming/hacking there's no reason to 'always use' the passenger side front door as claimed in the video. So I don't think it's clear that these thieves are using any of those techniques.

I imagine it might be stupider, like maybe there's a way to induce the unlock button or motor to trigger via induction or something. Though I'm pretty poorly informed about that kind of thing scientifically and am likely completely wrong.

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If they were using key reprogramming/hacking there's no reason to 'always use' the passenger side front door as claimed in the video.

It's a fair point, but I don't know that I'd take that at face value. That could have just been a subjective assessment that got repeated as fact. Without us having access to the actual videos or the raw numbers, it's hard to say.

So I don't think it's clear that these thieves are using any of those techniques.

Sure, and I'm not saying it's 100% certain that this is exactly how the thieves are operating.. just pointing out that it's well known that modern cars are vulnerable... if there are additional, as yet unreported vulnerabilities, would anybody be surprised?

I imagine it might be stupider, like maybe there's a way to induce the unlock button to trigger via induction or something.

That actually strikes me as semi-reasonable, without having research the matter in any depth. Where were you on the night of January 12th, when a black Suburban was stolen ...

I would assume that they use the passenger side front door because that is where the storage compartment is located.

They use the passenger side door because its the one facing the sidewalk.

I searched for Acura MDX alarm antenna location and a quick glance tells me that the antenna is located behind the glovebox. So I would guess it probably works better from that side of the car...notice they seem to have to get very close to the car.

And notice they're also touching the door handle with their bare hands. There's probably some sort of exploit dealing with theses vehicles' touch-activated car unlocking feature.

If a fab is in your pocket or purse, touching the handle will open the lock.

If I was a thief then I'd always hit the passenger side front door as it gives me the quickest access to the glove compartment, where valuables are likely to be stored. Not sure what the mystery is here.

Do people actually put valuable things in their glove boxes? I didn't think people put stuff besides proof of insurance and their car manuals in them. I'd think it a lot more likely that valuables were in the center console storage.

I know multiple people who do. its a quick 'out-of-sight' place to throw something small like a purse or phone.

I left my checkbook in the glove compartment for like a month before realizing it. I don't write physical checks often and just forgot it was in there after needing to hide it real quick.

The glove box has a lock so it must be a good place for valuables!

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