Defeating automotive security systems and exploiting rules of law as the modi operandi of car thieves

Electronic anti-theft security systems have been installed in cars for more than 20 years. Despite technological development and ever newer anti-theft car security devices, criminals continue their efforts to defeat all kinds of obstacles with the intention to unlawfully take possession of property. If they want to steal modern cars, thieves must demonstrate profi- ciency in electronics rather than mechanics, for unlocking and starting motor vehicles is today controlled by electronic systems. This paper presents the main methods of car theft, as well as measures to prevent it. Further in this paper, the author presents how thieves exploit rules of law and discusses a de lege ferenda proposal to improve Article 289 of the Penal Code by clarifying the length of time for which property may be possessed by an unauthorised person for that act to be considered as property taking and not a theft or burglary.