'You just know you'll never catch it:' Tucker man says truck was stolen while he was feet away
Car thefts are becoming a problem in the metro area.
Criminologist say there had been a decline over the last decade, but we are starting to see a spike again possibly because of new technology.
The FBI says there have been nearly 5,000 cars stolen in Dekalb County in the past couple of years.
Branden Reagin said someone stole his Ford F-150 Raptor while he was eating at restaurant on Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker at the end of last month.
'It's like a movie scene,' Reagin said. 'You're chasing your truck, wanting to run after it, but you just know you'll never catch it.'
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Reagin said he saw a BMW circle the restaurant's building a couple times before backing in next to his truck.
'My buddy goes hey did you start your truck…By the time we got out of the door, it was already on Lawrenceville highway going up speeding, the truck and the BMW,' Reagin said.
He said when he called the police he found out his car was likely stolen using key fob cloning technology.
'How quick someone can access a car, I mean I kind of saw it firsthand myself, but it's just mind blowing,' Reagin said. 'They can steal anybody's car, as long as that key is within range.'
Volkan Topalli, a professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Georgia State University said criminals are becoming more comfortable using new technology.
'Sometimes you have a handheld instrument, sometimes you can do it from your phone, but you have to be using near field technology, which means that you have to be close to the person,' Topalli said. 'Once you are close to them, and it detects that there is a fob that can be cloned, it is a matter of basically pushing a few buttons, and then it just sucks the information onto the telephone. Then, you can use the telephone itself to unlock the car door.'
TRENDING STORIES:
During the initial investigation, officials said, the child's parents were arrested on unrelated charges
Suspended UGA lineman arrested after crashing car into apartment complex, report says
Argument turns into gunfire in Atlanta, 2 men injured
Topalli said there are car brands that have older technology which makes them targets for stealing.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau report F-150s rank in the topmost stolen cars in the country.
'Every time we think we've come up with a surefire way of preventing someone from stealing a car or anything for that matter, there's always the motivation to go ahead and take that car and overcome that technological advancement,' Topalli said.
In the last 10 years, the FBI said Dekalb County has seen more than 28,000 stolen cars, but they have only recovered over 6,000.
Topalli recommends people call their manufacturer or dealership and ask if they have any software updates, so they can replace your fob.
However, Reagin said he and his wife got purchased an RFID key fob protector which blocks the signal used to clone information.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
an hour ago
- Time Business News
Why BMW Drivers Are Skipping the Dealership and Choosing MT Auto Parts Instead
If you drive a BMW, you already know it's more than just a car—it's a statement of style, performance, and precision. But when it's time for repairs or upgrades, most owners automatically head to the dealership without thinking twice. Lately, though, more drivers are skipping the dealership and turning to MT Auto Parts. Why? They're selling used BMW engines and top-quality BMW spare parts all in one place for affordable prices. MT Auto Parts has quickly become the go-to choice for UK BMW owners. Let's dive into why the shift away from dealerships is happening—and why MT Auto Parts is leading the way. Buying from a dealership might feel like the 'safe' choice, but it often comes with a high price tag, slow service, and limited part options. On the other hand, MT Auto Parts offers the same level of quality—sometimes even better—with a customer-first approach that puts you in control. Affordable prices without cutting corners Fast, reliable delivery to your doorstep Huge range of both new and used BMW parts Helpful support and no pushy sales tactics Full warranty and returns on all parts So, why overpay at a dealership when the same—or better—auto parts BMW owners need are available for less? One of the biggest reasons BMW owners are switching to MT Auto Parts is cost and care they offer. Dealerships charge premium prices for parts and labour. But at MT Auto Parts, you can find BMW spare parts at a fraction of the price. Whether you need a replacement engine part, a gearbox component, or just a small sensor, almost every piece is tested and guaranteed to meet high standards. Plus, many parts are OEM quality and available as dismantled BMW car parts, making repairs far more affordable without sacrificing quality. Engine parts Gear shifters and selectors Suspension control arms Side mirrors and window regulators Multimedia units and parking sensors Forget waiting in line or scheduling appointments just to ask about a part. MT Auto Parts brings everything online. You can now shop for BMW parts online from the comfort of your home, compare prices, and place your order in just a few clicks. The site is simple to use and offers detailed descriptions, photos, and compatibility notes, so there's no guesswork involved. 24/7 access to browse and buy Secure checkout and payment options Fast UK delivery (standard 48-hour shipping) Customer service support is available via phone or email These are auto parts BMW owners can depend on—just a click away. At MT Auto Parts, quality is never compromised. In fact, many of the BMW parts online are sourced from newer BMW models with low mileage and are checked thoroughly before being listed. You can choose from High-quality used BMW parts (inspected and tested for performance) Aftermarket BMW alternatives (budget-friendly with good durability) No matter your budget, MT Auto Parts gives you reliable solutions to keep your BMW running smoothly and clearly states about each part quality. Compared to dealership prices, MT Auto Parts offers some of the most competitive rates in the UK. This includes discounts for repeat buyers and bulk orders. Whether you drive a BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, or even a hybrid model, MT Auto Parts has thousands of items in stock, and the list grows every day. Need help finding the right part? MT Auto Parts has a friendly team ready to assist—no pressure, no jargon. You can choose to collect parts directly from their location or enjoy fast UK-wide delivery. International shipping is also available. Not happy with your purchase? MT Auto Parts offers a 30-day return window on all parts. Items are marked and come with a warranty for added peace of mind (T&C apply). Going for used auto parts BMW drivers need not just be cost-effective—it's environmentally smart. Reusing quality parts keeps functional items out of landfills and reduces waste from manufacturing new ones. At MT Auto Parts, used parts are Carefully cleaned and restored Tested for performance and safety Available for major and minor components So if you're looking to save money and support sustainability, buying BMW spare parts second-hand is a win-win. Absolutely. MT Auto Parts offers both genuine and quality-tested alternatives that meet or exceed dealership standards. Yes! The team is ready to help you find the exact part based on your BMW's model and year. No worries. MT Auto Parts offers a 30-day return policy with a simple return process (T&C apply). While MT Auto Parts doesn't offer installation, they recommend professional fitting for complex components and can guide you to reliable service providers. BMW owners across the UK are making the smart switch from overpriced dealership service to the trusted, budget-friendly alternative—MT Auto Parts. With easy access to BMW parts online, unbeatable prices on car parts that BMW drivers need, and reliable BMW spare parts for every model, it's no wonder so many drivers are choosing convenience without compromise. Don't overpay or wait weeks at a dealership. Get the parts you need fast, affordably, and with total confidence. Visit MT Auto Parts today and discover how easy it is to keep your BMW in peak condition—on your terms. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Los Angeles Times
2 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Man opened fire outside Michigan church before staff fatally shot him, averting mass shooting, police say
WAYNE, Mich. — A man who opened fire outside a Michigan church filled with worshipers Sunday was struck by a vehicle and then fatally shot by security staff who averted a potential mass shooting, police said. Churchgoers attending a morning service at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne spotted a man driving recklessly and then saw him exit his car wearing a tactical vest and carrying a rifle and a handgun, Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong said at an evening news conference. The man began firing as he approached the church, striking one person in the leg, Strong said. 'A parishioner struck the gunman with his vehicle as the gunman shot the vehicle repeatedly,' Strong told reporters. 'At least two staff members shot the gunman, causing the fatal wounds.' Police described the suspect as a 31-year-old white male with no known connection to the church. His motive remains unclear, but it appears he was suffering from a mental health crisis, Strong said. The shooting occurred around 11 a.m. in Wayne, a city of about 17,000 people about 25 miles west of Detroit. The person who was shot in the leg was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, the chief said. Nobody else besides the gunman was hurt. Strong said a church member ran the suspect over with his pickup truck, giving security staff time to shoot him. 'We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church's staff members, who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting,' the chief said. About 150 people were inside the church at the time. The church's website says it hosts a worship service on Sundays at 10:45 a.m. Worshiper Wendy Bodin said that she heard a loud boom and that when she looked outside, she saw a man sprawled out on the grass in front of the church. 'I thought he got hit or crashed his car or was hurt,' Bodin told WXYZ-TV. 'And another lady saw and pointed to me and said, 'Oh, my, call 911!'' Wayne Police Deputy Chief Finley Carter III said hours later that it was too early to know a motive. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino tweeted that bureau 'leadership and support teams' were at the scene and helping with the investigation. Messages left by the Associated Press on Sunday by voicemail and on a Facebook page for the church were not immediately returned. Sancya and Ramer write for the Associated Press and reported from Wayne and Concord, N.Y., respectively. AP writer Todd Richmond in Madison, Wis., and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Attack on Michigan church thwarted when security guard kills gunman, say police
An alleged active shooter intent on attacking a Michigan church on Sunday was shot and killed by a security guard, authorities said. The shooting unfolded around 11:15 a.m. local time at the CrossPointe Community Church in the Detroit suburb of Wayne, according to the Wayne Police Department. Law enforcement sources said the suspect drove his Nissan truck into the church and opened fire, ABC Detroit affiliate WXYZ reported. The Wayne Police Department confirmed on Facebook that the suspect was shot and killed by a security guard at the church. At least one victim was shot in the leg during the attack, according to police. Police are investigating a Facebook livestream of the CrossPointe Community Church service in which gunshots can be heard as members of the congregation are seen rushing to evacuate the sanctuary. A bomb-sniffing dog was brought to the scene by the Michigan State Police and a police bomb squad was also brought to the scene, according to officials, but there was no immediate confirmation from police that explosives were involved in the incident. As police investigated a motive for the attack, the FBI said it was sending agents to Wayne to help in the investigation. "Our leadership and support teams are on the ground, at the scene, in Wayne, Michigan providing assistance and investigative support," FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a statement. The church shooting came during a heightened threat environment across the country following the U.S. attack overnight in Iran that destroyed or severely degraded three of Iran's nuclear facilities, according to White House officials. Acknowledging the heightened threat environment, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement that "it is our duty to keep the nation safe and informed, especially during times of conflict." "The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict brings the possibility of increased threat to the homeland in the form of possible cyberattacks, acts of violence, and antisemitic hate crime," Noem said. MORE: Amid recent string of attacks inspired by Israel-Hamas war, some experts worry counterterrorism not a priority The attack in Wayne came in the wake of a public bulletin the Department of Homeland Security issued after the U.S. strikes in Iran, warning that "low-level cyber attacks" against U.S. targets "are likely" and that extremists inside the U.S. would be more likely to turn to violence if Iranian leadership calls for such retaliation. The bulletin further urges the public to report any suspicious activity. It was not immediately known if the church attack has any connection to the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. MORE: Minnesota lawmakers assassination timeline: 'He stalked his victims like prey' The attack occurred about a half-hour after Sunday-morning services at CrossPointe Community Church started, according to police. Officers arriving at the scene quickly evacuated the church after learning that a security guard stopped the attack by shooting and killing the suspect, according to police. The suspect's name was not immediately released. The security guard was also not immediately identified by authorities. ABC News' Luke Barr, Pierre Thomas, Mariama Jalloh and Victoria Arancio contributed to this report. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
