The Burbank Police Department is warning residents Wednesday about a rise in “key cloner” vehicle thefts when thieves use electronic devices to replicate key fobs and steal cars. Criminals are exploiting keyless ignition technology by scanning for key fob signals and creating cloned keys,

Criminals are scanning for key fob signals and creating cloned keys, or plugging into a car’s system to program new fobs, police said.

The Burbank Police Department provided the following tips to help prevent and deter vehicle thefts: Purchase an aftermarket low-cost GPS tracking device, like Apple AirTag, Tile, or similar to conceal in your vehicle. Thieves often disable the factory-installed tracking system.

Key cloner” car thefts are on the rise in Southern California, according to one local law enforcement agency. The Burbank Police Department issued a press release early Tuesday afternoon warning SoCal residents of the trend,