How cellphone cameras have become the latest thief's tool

The tint covering the windows of your car may make you think that everything you keep in your car is protected from prying eyes. By putting the camera lens right up to the tinted window, anyone with a cellphone can see right through the darkest tint, reports Memphis television station WREG.

This tool is used by criminals to steal guns, purses, and other valuable items from cars and convert them into quick cash. Among Memphis' non-violent crimes, theft from motor vehicles ranks highest.

The police recommend locking guns inside boxes or safes if you leave them in your vehicle. The cameras on smartphones can see through even the darkest tints on vehicle windows.

You should also lock your car while it is parked, park your car where there is good lighting, and make sure your car alarm is working (if you have one).

Phone manufacturers don't boast about this because it's illegal. It would be fascinating to hear Jony Ive say, 'View all that a car owner hides behind the tinted windows of his car.'. Auto-snooping by X-ray. iPhone's most powerful feature yet.'

Several months ago, a subreddit called LifeProTips posted, 'As the title says, you can see inside a tinted window by holding your phone camera against it.'. It doesn't require you to take a picture or record. Daytime and nighttime work with this.'

This is explained by Reddit user 'First_half_23,' who writes, 'A tinted glass allows light from one side to pass through to the other.' By placing your phone camera directly on the glass, you are reducing the gap, making the side with your camera have less ambient light. As a result, you can see inside.'

This is why you should always be wary of anyone taking pictures of your tinted windows when your car is parked. A person who holds his phone camera directly up against a side window should be suspicious enough to call the police.