Looks like tinting your car windows is no longer a security measure to keep thieves away. Many drivers out there believe that tinted windows are a must-have car feature, as car tint reduces the Ultra Violet (UV) light from entering the car as well as the privacy upgrade they bring to the car owner.
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In other words, the darker it is, the more privacy a tinted window is supposed to offer. There is no doubt that tinted windows can also double as an invisible shield for the belongings left in the car, as a naked human eye can’t see what has been left in the car for example wallets, handbags, mobile phones, laptops, or, well, trash. Tinted windows will therefore give most drivers the confidence to leave these valuables behind in order to go do some quick shopping or any other errand assuming that they are safe.
When it comes to valuable belongings, however, it goes without saying thieves are the ones that are most curious to see what’s inside the car. But if you believe the tinted windows block them from doing this, think again.
According to autoevolution, it turns out, that high-tech thieves (not all thieves will have the luxury to afford) have turned to a rather modern tactic to get past the tinted windows: they use their mobile phone cameras to see what’s inside, as the device is able to adjust the brightness and exposure and therefore focus right through the window.
In other words, with a very simple hack, pretty much anyone can see what’s inside the car, even in the case of the darkest level of tinted windows.
It is high time for local police to start issuing warnings in this regard, telling drivers to stop believing that tinted windows are the ultimate solution and instead avoid leaving any valuables inside the car. It goes without saying this should be common practice for all drivers out there, especially because things like wallets and mobile phones left on the passenger seat are very often a thief magnet.
However, this story is another confirmation that it’s all just a matter of time until malicious actors out there end up finding the dark side of the best things we get. So the next time you see someone scanning your vehicle with their mobile devices, you’d better hope you didn’t leave any belonging in plain sight.
