The scary new techniques criminals are using to break into your home

Queensland criminals have upped their game in an effort to break into your home, with some using sophisticated devices that can disarm security systems before they gain entry.

Thieves attempting to break into a car at a Murrarie home last year. Picture: Supplied.

Forward thinking juveniles are using chilling new tactics, including switching off the power and disabling the Wi-Fi, to disarm Queensland homes before they break-in.

Other strategies being implemented include security cameras being disabled and security screens being burnt in an attempt to gain entry.

In the latest instance, Gold Coast Police received reports five males turned off the power before a home invasion at Jackeroo Crescent, Gilston.  

Wi-Fi jammers, sophisticated new devices the size of a watch, are being bought online by young criminals to enhance their break-in capabilities.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority said there had been an increase of non-compliant and illegal devices, including Wi-Fi jammers, being found listed for sale online.

More than 2200 non-compliant and illegal devices were listed last year alone.

Wireless multi function jammer being sold online. Photo: supplied

A website viewed by The Courier-Mail offered a range of “Wi-Fi jammers that are capable of blocking Wi-Fi signals” ranging from $40 to $50.

Under the Radio communications Act 1992, the ACMA imposed a permanent ban on jamming equipment, including mobile phone jammers, GPS jammers, Wi-Fi jammers and drone jammers. It is illegal to possess, operate, supply and/or offer to supply banned equipment.

“These devices may not meet safety standards and may also cause interference to communications, GPS, and emergency services, which can put Australians at risk,” an ACMA spokesman said.

Gold Coast Police Acting Superintendent Jason Tuffley said police had noticed an increase in the devices being used over the past six months.

“There are only four of these occurrences and in some of the cases it is suspected the roller doors were left open or unlocked,” Superintendent Tuffley said.  

“Police encourage anyone with information about this occurring or any victims of a Wi-Fi disabler offence to contact police so we can investigate this.”

Disability advocate Alyce Nelligan warns Queenslanders to be aware of Wi-Fi disabling technology that led to the theft of her car and wheelchair. Picture: Social media

Toowoomba resident Alyce Nelligan warned Queenslanders to be aware of the technology after a Wi-Fi blocker was allegedly used to steal her car and wheelchair two years ago.

“I think it’s really important to raise awareness of this because I had no idea it was even possible before it happened to me,” Ms Nelligan said.

“The level of sophistication is quite incredible. Everyone assumes that having cameras is a reasonable deterrent and will keep you reasonably safe.

“If I knew this was possible I could have taken further steps to protect our home. I do feel we need to know what is being used.”

Intruders attempt to gain entry into a Brisbane home buy burning a hole in the security screen. Photo: Lorraine

Griffith University senior lecturer in cyber technology David Tuffley said illegal Wi-Fi blockers had shot to popularity in the US the last two years.

“It’s been a known problem in the US since then, the fact that we’re only just starting to hear about it in Australia now probably means that somebody has managed to bring one of these things in,” Dr Tuffley said.

“These jammers, and that includes not just Wi-Fi, but also mobile phones, GPS. My phone could be jammed with one of these things.”

Dr Tuffley said these jammers could be the size of a small watch, and for Queenslanders to ensure security cameras are hardwired and Wi-Fi operating at a higher gigahertz. 

Originally published as The scary new techniques criminals are using to break into your home