Car thefts have increased by 20% over the course of the last year in Montgomery County.
MCM spoke with a Rockville resident whose car was stolen from his apartment complex parking area last weekend — “it’s very violating.” It was a brand new 2026 Honda Civic Hatchback — which is push-to-start and uses a key fob.
Today’s technology makes it easier to break into cars, and currently there is a trend with cars that use key fobs being stolen, Montgomery County Police Capt. Cody Fields told MCM.
There are devices that can be used to duplicate the signal of nearby cars and unlock them. This driver, who works in the county police department’s communications office, thinks that scenario is likely what happened.
Police are working to address these crimes — recovering cars and making arrests. In 2026 alone, more than 90 teens were arrested for car theft in Montgomery County.
“We’re actively out there,” said Capt. Fields. “We’re trying to be visible and making sure that despite this being an increased amount of numbers, it’s going to be an increased amount of recoveries as well.”
He advises drivers to use a steering wheel lock to prevent theft. They are available for free at Montgomery County district police stations.
Drivers with cars that use a key fob can also get a Faraday bag that can stop frequencies from getting out.
