La Mesa Police are sounding the alarm about a sophisticated spike in vehicle thefts targeting newer-model Jeeps across East County, warning that thieves have largely abandoned traditional break-in methods in favor of electronic hacking that can get them behind the wheel in under three minutes.

The primary targets are 2020 and newer Jeep Wranglers and Jeep Rubicons. Instead of hotwiring or smashing windows, criminals are using portable devices — often sold as locksmith tools — to plug into a vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) port. Once connected, the device tricks the car's computer into registering a new key fob, giving thieves full access to the push-to-start ignition.

San Diego County's proximity to the border makes recovery particularly difficult. Authorities note that stolen Jeeps from La Mesa and El Cajon are frequently driven directly south into Mexico. While overall auto theft rates have dropped across California and nationally in early 2026, the Jeep Wrangler has bucked the trend — becoming the most stolen vehicle model in the city of San Diego last year, with 193 units taken. Theft rates for Wranglers and Toyota Tacomas have nearly doubled even as total car thefts fell by 22% in San Diego.

Security experts are recommending a layered approach for Jeep owners. Physical deterrents like steering wheel locks remain useful because they force tech-focused thieves to move to easier targets. An OBD port lock prevents the reprogramming device from being plugged in at all. Storing key fobs in Faraday bags or signal-blocking pouches at home can prevent relay attacks. Parking in well-lit, camera-monitored areas also reduces risk.

La Mesa Police ask that anyone who sees someone loitering near vehicles with tablets or wires, or notices a vehicle being tampered with, call 9-1-1 immediately. Santee and East County Jeep owners are urged to take these precautions seriously given the regional targeting trend.