Mystery device hacks cars and pops locks (Video)

WASHINGTON – This is a mystery.

From New York to Los Angeles and in between, locked cars – even those equipped with alarms – are being broken into silently and without effort. And while authorities believe it has something to do with a small device that fits in the hand, they aren’t sure what it is or how it works.

In fact, car manufacturers aren’t sure either. But if surveillance video is any indication, the device is able to apparently hack the vehicles’ computer systems and pop the locks. The thieves are in and out before anyone knows – but after they’ve taken valuables or the car itself.

To learn more, check out the video below. Do you know how it works?

WTOP’s Kyle Cooper contributed to this report.