Why it matters
Thieves don’t operate randomly. They use simple detection tools (like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanners or thermal sensors) to identify cars with powered-on electronics inside.
What’s typically stolen?
- Laptops in sleep mode
- Tablets hidden under seats
- Phones charging in glove compartments
If it’s on, it’s visible.
Real-life example
In 2024, police in the San Francisco Bay Area uncovered criminal groups using basic Bluetooth-scanning apps to identify parked vehicles containing active devices—laptops, tablets, and phones. Even when stored in trunks or placed in sleep mode, these devices still emitted detectable signals. Thieves targeted the most "tech-promising" cars, smashed windows, and stole the gear within seconds. The result: significant financial loss and, in many cases, breaches of business and personal data.
What can you do?
- Fully shut down your device—don’t just close the lid or use sleep mode
- Encrypt your hard drive (use BitLocker on Windows or FileVault on Mac)
- Protect access with a strong password and PIN—both for the system and BIOS/UEFI
- Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use to limit signal leakage
- Avoid storing sensitive data locally—use cloud or network drives when possible
Final thought
Leaving your laptop in the car—even briefly and even in the trunk—is a serious risk. Criminals can detect active devices by picking up emissions from hard drives or wireless modules. That’s why it’s crucial to power down your laptop completely after work. Enable disk encryption, lock it with a strong password, and keep critical data in the cloud. These simple habits can drastically reduce the consequences of theft and help protect personal and business information from falling into the wrong hands.