A technology called Bluetooth is supposed to make it easier for us to get our gadgets and ourselves connected. But for BBC Producer Colin Hughes Bluetooth is nothing but trouble.
Police say advanced technology in mobile phones is behind a steep rise in vehicle crime in South Manchester and Cambridgeshire.
Up-to-date mobiles often have Bluetooth technology, which allows other compatible devices, including laptops, to link up and exchange information, and log on to the Internet.
However, thieves are using new Bluetooth phones to detect whether motorists have left mobile phones or laptops in their cars. The bluetooth facility enables thieves to locate compatible electrical items, even if they are hidden away in the boot or glove compartment.
A security flaw has been discovered in Bluetooth that lets a thief download all contact details along with other information from a vulnerable phone, while leaving no trace of the theft.
"The thieves are taking advantage of a relatively new technology, and people need to be aware that this is going on".
"We would urge people not to leave laptops, or anything of value, in their cars, and always de-activate these wireless connections when you're not using a laptop - otherwise you are making life easy for the thieves."
In Chorlton, police estimate that out of the last 35 recorded vehicle crimes, at least 20 involved the use of these high-tech phones.
The thieves are using the same technology that allows mobile phone users to send pictures and video clips to their friends but they are also sending text messages to strangers with compatible bluetooth phones.
Sergeant Imran Abbasi, of Chorlton Police said, "If it comes up on the thief’s screen it’s a green light to go and break in".
The thieves have been targeting busy shopping districts where they can take their pick of cars parked by shoppers.
If they pass a car with bluetooth electrical items, a signal will appear on the screen of the thief’s mobile displaying the make or model of the valuables inside. To counter the new trend police launched the anti car-crime initiative Operation Kancun.
Therefore, technology now exists which allows criminals to identify out-of-view laptops and mobile phones in vehicles and selectively break in to steal them.
Bluetooth Technology can be a real problem
Thu, 13 Oct 2005
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