Thousands of condo owners at risk as thieves bypass entry-phone systems with default passcodes
Global News
By Jon Azpiri
18 April 2017
Joe Rae lives in a complex that has been hit by burglars who didn’t
need a crowbar or any other tools of the trade to break into the
building. Instead, it appears all they had was a default passcode for
the building’s entry-phone system that could easily be found online.
“It was just driving us crazy,” Rae said. “My wife was upset. I said,
‘That’s it, I can’t keep this building safe. We’ve got to sell and
move.’”
Rae says the break-ins to his Maple Ridge BC complex occurred over a
span of four months, each more brazen than the next. Cars were broken
into and residents’ mail was targeted. He said the latest incident
involved a possible home invasion.
“Doors can be replaced, items can be replaced, but people can get hurt over this,” Rae said.
After reviewing security footage, Rae made a startling discovery: the
burglars — different each time — were bypassing the building’s
entry-phone system. Rae believes they used default passcodes that are
available on manufacturers’ websites.
“They put in a four-digit passcode, which is default, and they’re in,”
he said. “I’ve checked up to five different manufacturers, all of them
have manuals with the default codes right there.”
John Griffiths of Westridge Security in Maple Ridge said it’s up to installers to change the codes.
He also said the number of times default codes aren’t changed is concerning.
“We’ve come into a few systems where the password is just 1-2-3-4,” he said.
Comments
Vicki Stevens · Maple Ridge Secondary School
Thanks for sharing. We have had 4 break ins , in the last week. Haven't
had any for years. Definitely going to pass this information
Jarin Locey
We had the same issue at our strata complex of 9 buildings about 4
years ago. The thieves used the manufacturer master codes to program
themselves in as fake residents and with entry codes and/or their cell
phone number so they can buzz themselves in. No FOB required. So
frustrating to find out that our developer Onni didn't bother to change
the master codes, nor tell us to do so (I was the council President).
We had a half dozen break ins. Cars, mail boxes, storage lockers. It
was a free for all for 3 months until I finally figured it out. NWPD
was notified, but clearly the warnings didn't get out to other
communities. Good luck out there!
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