I remember getting locked out of my 2003 Grand Marquis, and then watching the locksmith open it in about 5 seconds. It was then I realized that my door locks are a very minimal intrusion deterrent.
That being said, I imagine it's quite more difficult to get back into that vehicle.
I'd say they are meant for dumb dishonest people (and most dishonest people happen to be dumb luckily). Honest people don't need a lock to keep them out of property that isn't theirs.
The locksmith used exactly the bag you’re talking about. He knew just where to place it so the door was minimally torqued. No risk of damage to the vehicle that I could see. He then used a long stick through the small opening to unlock the door.
Hi Amazon! It’s us, the feds! We were wondering if you know of anyone near a specific area buying certain tools that we’ve seen be used to break into cars?
Tbf thieves don't use these bags, they are perfectly happy to use a hammer. People like the bags for the legal entries because of the whole "not damaging the car" thing most customers of locksmiths are into.
They also serve as a social signal. If you unlock something with a key, you are assumed to be the owner of it by bystanders. If you bust out a lock picking-kit and start going to town, you are assumed to be committing a crime by bystanders.
Used to live literally a few blocks from there (SOMA) had my car broken into like 6x a year with nothing inside it and notes saying as such. Was such a hassle but was only like $70 Safelite trip not far away. Always wondered if they sent people out to break windows for business. You really could tell there wasn't anything in my car. Never heard of people doing it with drivers in my car though that's pretty wild.
Had my car here in Brooklyn for 5 years and it never got touched lol