Milwaukee sees increase in car thefts using key programmers

Milwaukee is facing a rise in car thefts, with thieves using key reprogrammers to steal vehicles. Many victims have come forward, sharing similar experiences. One such victim is Tony Frachalla from Illinois. He recently lost his 2017 Infiniti just three months after buying it. Frachalla parked his car in a well-lit area near the Milwaukee School of Engineering Public Safety building. When he returned to his car, it was gone. Surveillance footage showed three men using a key reprogrammer to unlock and steal the vehicle. In a shocking moment, one suspect even jumped through the sunroof to drive off. Milwaukee police say that this method is especially targeting Nissan and Infiniti cars. Frachalla's Infiniti had an anti-theft system called "In Touch." However, he learned that the system no longer works because it relies on outdated 3G cell towers that are not operational anymore. He expressed his frustration, saying the system is ineffective for vehicles older than 2022. To combat the rise in vehicle thefts, police recommend that drivers use tracking devices, like Apple AirTags. Frachalla plans to use such devices for his future vehicles. He believes they are a necessary precaution now. As car thefts increase, police urge vehicle owners to stay alert and take protective steps.