East Bay Thieves Steal Cars in 30 Seconds Using Legal Gadgets

UPDATE: East Bay authorities are sounding the alarm as a group of thieves employs legal gadgets to steal cars in under 30 seconds. This alarming trend has emerged in Oakland, where on September 2, 2023, a stolen black Dodge Durango was used in two separate break-ins, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars in merchandise.

The police have confirmed that one suspect, 18-year-old Raul Chapina-Gonzalez, was arrested for his role in these incidents. However, investigations reveal a much larger operation involving thefts of high-end cars for resale, potentially linked to the notorious Baine Gang.

Authorities report that Chapina-Gonzalez was found in possession of a key reprogrammer, a device that can be easily purchased online and used to start modern vehicles. This tool, which is designed for legitimate use by car owners who have lost their keys, has become a favorite among thieves. “A knowledgeable thief can steal a car in about 30 seconds,” police warn.

The East Bay police have arrested only one of the four masked suspects involved in the September break-ins, but they are now investigating Chapina-Gonzalez and others for connections to a larger auto theft ring. Court records show that during his arrest, he was already out on bail for a prior incident involving firearms and drugs near a child.

Compelling evidence has surfaced online, with Chapina-Gonzalez reportedly posting lists of stolen vehicles for sale on his Instagram account, boasting about his profits from “strikes,” a slang term for stolen cars. This social media presence raises concerns about the scale of the auto theft operation, particularly as another account linked to the gang displayed firearms alongside a key reprogrammer, soliciting help for altering VINs on stolen vehicles.

The California Highway Patrol has issued recommendations for vehicle owners to protect themselves, suggesting they seek out manufacturer-specific guidance on how to secure the OBD II port, which is the access point for key reprogrammers. While some aftermarket solutions exist, including locks and kill switches, these can vary significantly in price and effectiveness.

In a significant shift, a new law—AB 486—set to take effect in January will classify key reprogrammers as potential burglary tools, making possession a misdemeanor under California law. This legal change is aimed at curbing the rising trend of auto thefts.

The Baine Gang has been linked to multiple car theft rings, including a major operation in 2022 involving a chop shop. Recent incidents in Union City illustrate the gang’s brazen tactics: on September 18, three suspects used a key reprogrammer to steal a Lexus, and just days later, they threatened a Chevrolet Camaro owner with firearms.

The consequences of these thefts are dire. A recent incident involving a stolen Dodge Charger resulted in a crash that left an innocent driver hospitalized. The East Bay, specifically Alameda County, has become a hotspot for auto thefts, with nearly 19,000 vehicles reported stolen last year, second only to Los Angeles County.

The public is urged to stay vigilant and consider additional security measures to protect their vehicles. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are calling on the community to report suspicious activities and assist in combating this escalating wave of auto thefts.

As we await further developments, it’s clear that car owners in the East Bay must act quickly to safeguard their vehicles.