TOWN OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. — With car thefts on the rise across the U.S., vehicle owners are being urged to change simple habits after criminals began using technology that can trick cars into unlocking and starting, particularly targeting certain Hyundai and Kia models.

Town of Tonawanda Police earlier this month issued a warning to residents on social media . The post focused on a method known as a digital signal relay: one person positions a device near a home to capture or amplify the signal from a key fob kept inside, while an accomplice stands near the parked vehicle with a receiver.

"It tricks the car to think the key fob is in or near the vehicle," police said. "It can then be unlocked, started and stolen. Remember, once started they don't shut off after out of range."

With that

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