---
title: '3 Levels of Car Theft'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=--LXDh44cBQ'
video_id: '--LXDh44cBQ'
date: 2026-07-28
duration_sec: 86
---

# 3 Levels of Car Theft

> Source: [3 Levels of Car Theft](https://youtube.com/watch?v=--LXDh44cBQ)

## Summary

The video demonstrates three escalating levels of car theft techniques, from classic mechanical methods to modern electronic relay attacks, highlighting how thieves adapt to evolving security measures.

### Key Points

- **Slim Jim Technique** [00:00] — Using a thin metal hook (Slim Jim) to manipulate the lock mechanism and then hot-wiring the car by ripping out ignition wires.
- **Automaker Countermeasures** [00:26] — In the 1990s, automakers added metal shielding to block Slim Jim attacks and replaced simple ignition wires with ECU computers.
- **Airbag and Coat Hanger Bypass** [00:38] — Thieves used a $21 locksmith tool with an airbag to create a gap, then slid a reinforced coat hanger to unlock the door.
- **Electronic Relay Attack** [01:06] — Modern thieves use an electronic relay device to amplify a key fob's signal from outside range, unlocking the car without physical damage.

### Conclusion

Car theft techniques have evolved from simple mechanical tools to sophisticated electronic relay attacks, and the video aims to educate vehicle owners about these vulnerabilities.

## Transcript

Use a thin piece of metal with a hook at the end called a Slim Jim. then hook this part of the lock and push down which rocks this teeter-totter thing,
Then once you're inside you simply reach underneath, rip out a bunch of wires and if you Congratulations, you have successfully hot wired a car
In the 90s automakers added metal shielding above the latch mechanisms to block the Slim Jim attacks and then when simple ignition wires were replaced with a sophisticated ECU computer to control the engine,
But car thieves weren't about to take an early retirement. So a few years later if you just got yourself some locksmith tools off Amazon for $21, you could bypass the door lock security measures entirely, by inflating a little airbag, giving you
just enough room to slide in what is effectively a beefed-up coat hanger - That was, like, 20 seconds. So the main purpose of this video is to educate the good guys,
I need to rely on more modern techniques, aka, I need to get my hands on one of those looping electronic devices. So Ian and I gave it a chance to unlock a car door with a pair of keys that was just barely out of range
- Awesome!