Renton Police uncovered that Martin Salvador Cunningham, an 18-year-old boy from Tacoma, was allegedly stealing cars using a key-programming device that allowed vehicles to be started without their original keys. He was charged on November 18 with multiple counts, including motor-vehicle theft, possession of stolen cars, firearm theft, and identity theft. Cunningham pleaded not guilty and is held on $150,000 bail.
The investigation began after a theft of a Jeep Cherokee SRT on August 19 in Renton. Officers found evidence that the vehicle had been digitally manipulated, and Cunningham was later caught in Seattle with the victim’s Social Security card, driver’s license, multiple key fobs, a loaded modified Glock gun, and the key-programming device.
Police also found that Cunningham was advertising stolen high-value vehicles on Instagram; he wanted to sell them far below market value, also posting videos showing himself using the key programmer and handling a stolen firearm. Several stolen vehicles were traced back to him through these posts.
On Nov. 14, SWAT searched his Tacoma home, according to the Renton Police Department. They recovered eight weapons from Cunningham’s home, including one that was modified to fire like a fully automatic machine gun, and other evidence linking him to multiple car thefts and a possible robbery.
If you have a vehicle, you might want to know these vehicle theft prevention tips:
- Use an alarm system.
- Park in well-lit and busy areas or garages.
- Activate manufacturer tracking and use a 3rd party tracker.
- Install a kill switch (interrupts the flow of electricity to vital parts of the car, making it much harder for a thief to start your car).
- Install an anti-theft device and use a steering wheel cover or locks.
- To protect your key fob, store it in a Faraday pouch or keep it in a metal container when not in use to block signals.
- Etch your VIN on windows and parts (it makes your car less attractive to thieves because it makes it harder to sell).
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Check for recalls and security updates.
- Stay up to date on frequently stolen vehicles.
Sources:
https://komonews.com/news/local/prolific-18-year-old-car-theft-suspect-arrested-by-renton-pd-martin-cunningham-id-theft-key-fob-programming-cloning-device-crime
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/18-year-old-suspected-prolific-car-thief-arrested-police-say-he-cloned-fobs-steal/OZBMBDK7PRETDEFDIT4LHQOYMY/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.rentonreporter.com/news/man-accused-of-stealing-vehicles-by-reprogramming-keys/
Waterlog Regional Police-
https://wrps.ca/learn/vehicle-theft-prevention-tips-protect-your-vehicle
