PETALING JAYA (May 17, 2010): Some car thieves have gone high-tech, using computers to hack into the security system of expensive cars, including those with anti-theft keyless ignition technology.

In revealing this, police believe the syndicate can also hack into the GPS (global positioning system) security system and deactivate the immobilizer.

A Bukit Aman serious crimes division official told theSun the syndicate has been going around the country driving off several high-end cars with their expertise.

At least four cases were reported this year.

The official said based on information gathered, the thieves enter the car and use their own device to override the car’s alarm system by decrypting the security code.

In some instances, police believe the thieves used nothing more than a laptop to carry out their crime.

He said a special team is tracking down the syndicate members.

The official also said most high-end security systems are almost impenetrable and can deter theft, but since the thieves have the technical know-how, they can crack the software.

He added that the syndicate could have copied the same techniques commonly used by European high-tech auto theft syndicates.

In several cases of car thefts last year, car thieves who stole high-end cars had to break the windscreen to escape after the car they were driving in stalled in the middle of the road when the immobilizer was activated.

And some immobilizers can prevent the car's fuel pump from functioning, so the car will often run out of fuel metres from the crime scene.

At least two car thieves were believed to have been caught red-handed by police as they were trapped in their stolen vehicles.

Some advanced systems use satellite or mobile phone communication to alert a security firm that an unauthorized attempt was made to start a vehicle.

An immobilizer is an electronic device fitted to a vehicle which prevents the engine from running unless the correct key or token is used.

This prevents the car from being hot wired once the thieves gain access into it.

Immobilizers have been mandatory in all new cars sold in Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and other parts of the world.

Auto thefts involving keyless ignition system are also common in Europe. Thieves have reportedly driven off with high-end cars simply by using a laptop equipped with a microreader.

The thieves are able to capture and decrypt the code sequence from the signal emitted from the car itself. They then disengage the alarm, unlock and start the vehicle.