Digital keys can leave car thieves frustrated

Car maker Hyundai announced Monday is has developed a digital key that is sure to flummox car thieves.

The technology uses a smartphone to get into a car. Up to four phones can be programmed to open a car door.

"After unlocking the vehicle, the user can start the engine by placing the smartphone on the wireless charging pad in the center console and pressing an engine Start/Stop button on the dashboard," Hyundai said in a statement.

The technology makes the car virtually impossible to steal. Not a bad item for the Bay Area and other parts of the country as car thefts spike.