Auto Break-in and Theft

Hello, all. Last evening (12/7/16) NBC news aired a segment
demonstrating devices that would ostensibly capture keyless entry codes
from the key fob and allow both entry, start-up, and drive away of a
motor vehicle. a couple of questions come to mind:

1. My understanding is that vehicle keyless entry systems usually use
rolling (hopping) codes with the next valid code being pseudo-randomly
generated. So how was that code determined?

2. The immobilizer system (at least on my Ford vehicle) that works with
the transponder key is separate from the keyless entry system. In the
news report after entry to the vehicle was gained, the car could be
started by pushing a button on the dashboard. No mechanical/transponder
key had to be inserted/turned in the ignition switch. Apparently there
also was no steering column mechanical lock.

While I don't have a clue how the third-party equipment shown in the
news report functions, I don't think it would work on a vehicle like my
Ford Focus. Thanks for your time and comment. Sincerely,
--
J. B. Wood e-mail: