Theft reporting procedure, theft detection device, storage medium, mobile device, server device, motor vehicle, and theft reporting system

Abstract

Theft reporting procedure, wherein a theft detection device (12) of a reporting motor vehicle (14): - receives (S7) a vehicle-specific light signature signal from a lighting device (34) of a transmitting vehicle (22), wherein the received light signature signal describes a vehicle-specific identification number of the transmitting vehicle (22), - determines the current location of the reporting vehicle (14) (S9), - generates a theft detection signal (S10) that describes the vehicle-specific identification number of the sending vehicle (22) and the detected location, and - transmits the generated theft detection signal to a theft alarm device (16) (S11); and wherein the theft alarm device (16): - receives the generated theft detection signal (S12), - a contact person assigned to the sending vehicle (22) is identified using the vehicle-specific identification number (S13), - generates a theft alarm signal (S14) and transmits it to a receiving device (42) of the identified contact person (S15), wherein the generated theft alarm signal describes a theft of the sending vehicle (22) and the determined location.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a theft reporting method involving a reporting vehicle equipped with a theft detection device, and to a theft detection device itself. Preferably, the theft reporting method may also include process steps of a monitoring device of a transmitting vehicle. The invention further relates to a corresponding theft reporting system.

[0002] A variety of systems exist to prevent and deter vehicle theft. For example, acceleration sensors can detect when a vehicle is being towed or lifted by a crane, and the current location of the stolen vehicle can then be transmitted via an online connection. Vehicles with keyless entry systems can be stolen using a transceiver. The signal from the key is received by the transceiver (for example, near the front door) and relayed or amplified wirelessly. This signal is then used as a key by another transceiver at the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to be opened and started.

[0003] Vehicles can be stolen using a relay attack. Due to the deactivation or mechanical destruction of GPS and cellular antennas, it is often impossible to remotely track a stolen vehicle.

[0004] In the event that a vehicle is stolen using a transceiver trick (relay attack), the thief can disconnect the online connection and deactivate the GPS (privacy mode) inside the vehicle. This makes it impossible to determine the vehicle's location using existing tracking systems. Even if a privacy mode is not present, the thief can, for example, mechanically destroy the roof antenna (GPS) or interrupt the connection, thus preventing any location tracking.

[0005] The problem is currently being addressed by keeping the car key away from windows or entrance doors, or by storing it in a shielded box. However, it cannot be guaranteed 100% that the key will always be shielded and / or out of range of a relay attack.

[0006] DE 10 2012 223 410 A1 describes a method for communication between a vehicle and its environment, comprising: recognizing a predetermined event using the vehicle's means; displaying a graphic message using the vehicle's means, wherein the graphic message is visible from outside the vehicle and includes at least one piece of information, in particular quantitative information, about the predetermined event.

[0007] US 2010 / 0001829 A1 describes an anti-motor vehicle theft identification system that can be applied to cars, trucks, motorcycles and other motor vehicles to reduce a theft rate.

[0008] From WO 2004 / 000613 A1, an identification system for stolen cars is known, comprising a protected motor vehicle equipped with an activation signal receiver, the output of which is connected to a signal screen with an inscription showing that the motor vehicle has been stolen and information on how the theft can be reported; while the signal screen is integrated into a special window glass.

[0009] German patent application DE 10 2016 216 541 A1 describes a method for locating a vehicle coupled to a radio transmitter, wherein the radio transmitter sends an identifier assigned to the vehicle. The method comprises sending a first message to at least one first vehicle by a data processing system, the message containing an instruction to report received identifiers. The method further comprises forwarding the first message to at least one second vehicle by the first vehicle and receiving the assigned identifier by a vehicle that has received the first message.

[0010] DE 10 2018 217 245 A1 describes a device for indicating unauthorized use of a vehicle and a method for indicating unauthorized use of a vehicle. In this process, a control unit, upon detection of unauthorized use, activates a vehicle-side lighting device such that the vehicle-side lighting device emits light according to a predetermined pattern to indicate information regarding the unauthorized use.

[0011] German patent DE 10 2007 011 813 A1 describes a theft protection system for motor vehicles and relates in particular to the transmission of theft information. For this purpose, a theft registration device is provided for registering thefts based on unauthorized opening or use of the vehicle. This device includes a radio network communication unit and is designed to generate a theft signal when a theft is registered.

[0012] One of the problems underlying the invention is to improve the efficiency of reporting a vehicle theft.

[0013] The stated problem is solved by the inventive method and devices, as well as by the inventive theft alarm system according to the dependent claims. Advantageous embodiments are given by the sub-claims.

[0014] The invention is based on the idea that the theft of a motor vehicle is reported not by a screen display on the exterior of the stolen vehicle, but by a light signature emitted by the stolen vehicle. Such a light signature describes a specific encrypted identification number of the stolen vehicle. Preferably, the theft can be detected by means of interrupted or blocked communication with a server device external to the vehicle, in combination with the absence of the vehicle key. In this way, the theft can also be detected if the roof antenna is destroyed and / or a privacy mode, in which no data communication is possible, is activated.By using a light signature instead of a display on an exterior screen of the vehicle, the likelihood of a thief noticing that the stolen vehicle is reporting the theft is significantly reduced. Furthermore, data security is enhanced because even the vehicle capturing the light signature and the theft information cannot access personal data, such as the owner's identity, as the light signature signal ideally encodes the information in encrypted form. The notification to the contact person associated with the stolen vehicle is not handled by the reporting vehicle itself, but by an external theft detection device. This theft detection device is preferably a component of an external data server.In other words, the connection to the contact person, who owns, for example, the stolen vehicle, is only established through the vehicle-external theft reporting device.

[0015] The theft detection method according to the invention is carried out on the side of the reporting vehicle by a theft detection device. A theft detection device is understood to be a device, a device component, or a group of devices that is configured to receive signals, evaluate them, and generate control signals and transmit them to other components. In particular, the theft detection device can also be configured to determine the reception time of an incoming light signature signal, for example, by receiving a time signal from a timer. The theft detection device is also specifically configured to receive position data, which can also be referred to as location data, and which describes the location of the reporting vehicle. This position data can, for example, be GPS data.

[0016] The anti-theft detection device receives a vehicle-specific light signature signal from a lighting unit of a transmitting vehicle. The received light signature signal is specific to the transmitting vehicle and describes a vehicle-specific identification number of the transmitting vehicle, which may preferably be encrypted.

[0017] Ideally, the light signature can be provided via single-carrier modulated transmission (single-carrier FDMA) or pulse-based transmission. Such light signatures can be output very quickly. This reduces the probability of the thief learning about or understanding the message even more significantly than if the light signature were a Morse code signal.

[0018] The light signature preferably describes a universally unique identifier (UUID) of the sending vehicle. With such a UUID, the identification of the sending vehicle can be transmitted very quickly in encrypted form. This UUID can preferably be a timestamp-based UUID.

[0019] The theft detection system determines the current location of the reporting vehicle, for example, via GPS data. Optionally, the theft detection system can determine the reception time of the received light signature signal, for example, using a time signal from a clock in the reporting vehicle.

[0020] The theft detection device generates a theft detection signal that describes the vehicle-specific identification number of the sending vehicle and the determined location, preferably also the determined reception time. The generated theft detection signal can either directly describe the vehicle-specific identification number or indirectly by describing the light signature of the received light signature signal.

[0021] The theft detection device transmits the generated theft detection signal to a theft reporting device, which is preferably located external to the reporting vehicle. Ideally, the theft detection device is also external to the sending vehicle, ideally a component of an external server device.

[0022] The theft detection device receives the theft detection signal from the reporting vehicle and uses the vehicle-specific identification number to identify a contact person associated with the sending vehicle. The theft detection device then generates a theft alert signal and transmits it to a receiving device belonging to the identified contact person. This signal describes the theft of the sending vehicle and its location, preferably also including the recorded time of receipt and / or a timestamp. The receiving device is a device or electronic platform for receiving messages, such as a mobile phone or an email account.

[0023] The advantages described above result.

[0024] A theft detection device is understood to be a device, device component, or group of devices designed to receive signals, process them, and generate and transmit signals. Ideal data communication connections are wireless, such as mobile and / or internet connections; however, WLAN and Bluetooth LE connections are also possible.

[0025] Both the theft detection device and the theft reporting device can be designed, for example, as a computer, control unit, control chip or computer program.

[0026] The theft detection system according to the invention comprises the theft detection device and the theft detection device. Preferably, the theft detection system can additionally include a monitoring device for the transmitting vehicle.

[0027] Accordingly, one embodiment of the method according to the invention may include a monitoring device in the sending vehicle detecting that the sending vehicle is moving, for example, moving beyond a predetermined minimum distance. In other words, the monitoring device detects vehicle movement. This can be achieved, for example, via known sensors in the engine control unit, an energy management system, and / or acceleration sensors. Furthermore, the monitoring device of the sending vehicle detects the absence of a vehicle key for the sending vehicle within the vehicle. In other words, the monitoring device detects that the vehicle key is not in the vehicle. Particularly in the case of keyless entry systems or similar radio-based keys, this can be accomplished using known sensors.

[0028] Based on the detected vehicle movement and the absence of the vehicle key, the monitoring device can generate or provide the vehicle-specific light signature signal and output it via the lighting device.

[0029] Ideally, the generated light signature signal can be output via one or more headlights of the transmitting vehicle's lighting system. This is much more efficient than, for example, individual LEDs, and less complex. Furthermore, the light signature can be transmitted over a greater distance than with output via individual LEDs, and the transmitting vehicle does not need to be retrofitted.

[0030] A lighting device is understood to be a device, a device component, or a group of devices for illuminating a motor vehicle, in particular for illuminating the vehicle's exterior surroundings. Accordingly, the lighting device may preferably include standard exterior lighting for the motor vehicle, or alternatively or additionally, standard interior lighting components.

[0031] In a further development step that significantly increases the precision of theft detection, the monitoring device can detect the absence of a data communication connection to an external data server. In other words, the monitoring device can, for example, detect that a communication module of the sending vehicle is incapable of establishing a data communication connection to the external data server. This indicates that the communication connection has been deliberately severed, preventing the sending vehicle from reporting its own movement and / or the theft to the theft alarm system. In another example, the monitoring device can detect that a privacy mode is activated, which may block data communication.

[0032] In this advanced training, the monitoring device can additionally generate the vehicle-specific light signature signal due to the lack of a data communication connection.

[0033] In a further training module, which can optionally be combined with the previous one, the monitoring device of the transmitting vehicle can output the vehicle-specific light signature signal via one or more headlights of the lighting system. The advantages have already been discussed above.

[0034] The invention also includes the theft detection device for the motor vehicle. The theft detection device can comprise a data processing device or a processor unit configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor unit can comprise at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor unit can comprise program code configured to carry out the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor unit. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor unit.

[0035] The above-mentioned problem is solved by a storage medium containing program code configured to, when executed by a processor, preferably a processor of a mobile device, cause the theft detection device to perform an embodiment of the method described above. The storage medium can be, for example, a memory card, memory chip, or other data storage device. A processor is understood to be a device or device component for electronic data processing. The processor can, for example, include at least one microcontroller and / or at least one microprocessor. The advantages already mentioned result.

[0036] The problem stated above is solved by a mobile, portable device, for example a smartphone, laptop, or tablet PC, with an embodiment of the storage medium according to the invention, and / or with an embodiment of the theft detection device according to the invention. In the method according to the invention, the theft detection device can then be configured to determine the current location of the mobile device. This results in the advantages described above.

[0037] The above-mentioned problem is solved by a server device for operation on the Internet, for example a data server, a backend and / or a data cloud, wherein the server device has an embodiment of the storage medium according to the invention, and / or an embodiment of the theft detection device according to the invention.

[0038] The invention also includes a messenger vehicle that incorporates an embodiment of the theft detection device according to the invention. The vehicle is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0039] The problem stated above is also solved by a theft alarm system comprising an embodiment of the theft detection device according to the invention and an embodiment of the theft alarm device described above. Preferably, the theft alarm system may additionally include an embodiment of the monitoring device described above.

[0040] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0041] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the theft reporting method, the devices and the theft reporting system according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mobile, portable terminal device according to the invention, and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an embodiment of a server device according to the invention.

[0042] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0043] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0044] The Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the principle of the theft reporting method, the devices, and the theft reporting system according to the invention. This can be demonstrated in the example of the Fig. 1. The theft detection device 12 of the reporting vehicle 14, the theft reporting device 16 of an external server device 18, and preferably also a monitoring device 20 of a transmitting vehicle 22. The transmitting vehicle 22 is the stolen vehicle with which a thief drove off and, for example, whose roof antenna the thief broke off. Alternatively, the theft reporting system 10 can, for example, also include the reporting vehicle 14, the server device 18, and optionally the transmitting vehicle 22.

[0045] In the example of the Fig. 1. The transmitting vehicle 22 and the reporting vehicle 14 can both be designed as passenger cars. The theft detection device 12 can preferably have a processor unit 24 and / or a data storage device 26. The theft reporting device 16 and / or the monitoring device 20 can also each have a processor unit 24 and / or a data storage device 26; however, for the sake of clarity, these are shown separately in the Fig. 1 not shown.

[0046] The reporting vehicle 14 comprises a sensor system 28, which in turn has at least one sensor 30 for detecting light signatures. Suitable sensors are known to those skilled in the art. Communication between the sensor system 28 and the theft detection device 12 takes place via a data communication link 32, which can, for example, be wired, such as the data bus of the reporting vehicle 14. Ideally, communication between the theft detection device 12 and the theft alarm device 16 can use a wireless data communication link 32, such as an internet and / or mobile network connection.

[0047] A suitable timer for recording the reception time of the light signature from the transmitting vehicle 22 and a receiver for location data, for example GPS data, are included in the Fig. 1 not shown for the sake of clarity, but is known to the expert from the state of the art.

[0048] The transmitting vehicle 22 is also shown with a lighting device 34, which may preferably include at least one headlight 36 and / or taillights. The transmitting vehicle 22 of the example of Fig. 1 may preferably also include a sensor 38 for detecting a vehicle key associated with the transmitting vehicle 22. Suitable techniques are known to those skilled in the art. This sensor 38 may preferably also detect movements of the transmitting vehicle 22 and may, for this purpose, include, for example, sensors of the engine control and / or an energy management system, such as accelerometers and / or one or more cameras.

[0049] In the example of the Fig. For example, a thief may have stolen the transmitting vehicle 22 via a relay attack. The monitoring device 20 can detect in S2 that the vehicle key is missing and, using, for example, acceleration sensors (S1), determine that the transmitting vehicle 22 is moving despite the missing key. Additionally, the sensor 38 can detect this movement. Through this combination, the monitoring device 20 detects the theft and generates the vehicle-specific light signature (S3). The transmitting vehicle 22 outputs the generated light signature via the headlights 36 using the light signature signal (S4). It is irrelevant whether the sensor 38 or the monitoring device 20 detects the absence of the vehicle key (S2) and the movement (S1) based on corresponding sensor signals.

[0050] Ideally, the monitoring device 20 in S5 detects that, for example, a communication module of the monitoring device 20 cannot establish contact with an external data server for locating the transmitting vehicle 22. This allows the conclusion that the communication was intentionally blocked by the thief.

[0051] The reporting vehicle 14 can, for example, be driving in front of the transmitting vehicle 22 at the time the light signature signal (S4) is emitted. The sensor system with sensor 30 can detect the light signature signal and thus the light signature of the transmitting vehicle 22 (S6), for example using a camera and / or a light sensor, and transmit a corresponding information signal to the anti-theft detection device 12, which then receives the light signature signal in S7. The anti-theft detection device 12 can preferably also determine the time of reception (S8) as well as the current location of the reporting vehicle 14 (S9). Since the reporting vehicle 14 is close enough to the transmitting vehicle 22 to detect (S6) and receive (S7) the light signature signal, the location of the reporting vehicle 14 also corresponds to the location or position of the transmitting vehicle 22 at the time of reception.

[0052] In this example, the theft detection signal generated in S10 describes the vehicle-specific identification number of the sending vehicle 22, the time of receipt, and the position of the sending vehicle 22. After the generated theft detection signal is transmitted (S11) to the theft alarm device 16, the latter receives the theft detection signal in S12. Using, for example, a digitally stored assignment list, the theft alarm device 16 can now determine (S13) that the sending vehicle 22 belongs to contact person 40. Additionally or alternatively, the theft alarm device 16 can determine (S13) that a receiving device 42, for example, a mobile device, its telephone number, or an email account, is assigned to the sending vehicle 22.

[0053] The theft alarm device 16 generates a theft alarm signal in S14, which can describe information about the theft, preferably the last reported location of the sending vehicle 22 and optionally also the time of receipt. In S15, the theft alarm device 16 transmits the generated theft alarm signal to the receiving device 42, for example a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet PC, via, for example, a mobile communication connection, for example as a text message, SMS or email.

[0054] The contact person 40 is now informed of the theft and can initiate the necessary steps. Alternatively or additionally, the theft alarm device 16 can also transmit the generated theft alarm signal, for example, to a device at a police station (S15). In this case, the police station can be considered the "contact person".

[0055] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary mobile device 48, which in the example of the Fig. 1, for example, can be designed as a mobile phone. The theft detection device 12 can preferably correspond to the one already used in Fig. 1 was explained in detail.

[0056] The Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary server device 50, for example a data server, which may include an embodiment of the theft detection device 12, and / or a storage medium 46, for example a hard disk or a memory chip. If the exemplary data server includes a storage medium 46, it may contain program code for carrying out the procedure.

[0057] Overall, the examples show how detection and tracking of a stolen motor vehicle can be provided.

[0058] In a further preferred embodiment, a UUID can be transmitted via vehicle headlights 36, and automatic recognition can be carried out by another motor vehicle or motor vehicles, i.e. by the reporting vehicle 14 or by several reporting vehicles 14, including an assignment and notification in and / or by a backend as a server device 18.

[0059] If the started transmitting vehicle 22 detects that no key is present (S2) and, in addition, no server communication can take place (S5), this is communicated externally via the headlights 36 (S4). Furthermore, the stolen transmitting vehicle 22 transmits a unique identification number (preferably a UUID) assigned to the stolen transmitting vehicle 22 based on its light signature (S4).

[0060] Another reporting vehicle 14 or other reporting vehicles 14 can recognize the light signature and thus the UUID (S7). In the event of recognition, the UUID, including location and preferably timestamp, is reported to the server device 18, for example, to a backend server of the vehicle manufacturer.

[0061] Only in the exemplary backend, for example that of the vehicle manufacturer, can the UUID be linked to the vehicle identification number. This allows for the assignment (S13) of the message to the sending vehicle 22.

[0062] The exemplary backend then sends a message to, for example, the registered vehicle owner / user (S15), for example via SMS or a smartphone application.

[0063] Another preferred technical implementation may include: [1] Key Recognition S2 Keyless Go allows a vehicle to be started when the key is close enough to the vehicle. If the sending vehicle 22 moves away from the key, the cyclically transmitted key signal is no longer recognized. If the key is no longer recognized, this can be reported via the backend. If it is simultaneously detected that no online connection is possible (for example, due to mechanical damage or Privacy Mode) (S5), the transmission S3 of the light signature [2] is activated. [2] Send light signature S3 Each motor vehicle requires an additional universal, unique identification number (in particular a UUID). If [1] detects that the transmitting motor vehicle 22 is moving despite the lack of a key signal (S1) and an online connection is not possible (S5), the UUID is preferably transmitted via the headlights 36 of the transmitting motor vehicle 22 (S3). The S3 transmission can preferably be implemented by controlling individual areas of the matrix LED light as a signature (similar to a QR code). Modulation of the light from the LED spotlights 36 is also possible to transmit the UUID S3. Modulation methods for "Visible Light Communication" include, for example, Single-Carrier Modulated Transmission or Pulse-Based Transmission. [3] Receiving the light signature S7 Other vehicles, referred to here as reporting vehicle 14, use a camera or a separate receiver to detect the signals sent in [2] and can extract the UUID from the light signal. [4] Sending the UUID S10, S11 When a UUID is received via light signature, the receiving vehicle, i.e. the reporting vehicle 14, sends the UUID together with, for example, the GNSS location, the timestamp and, if applicable, additional information (e.g., camera images) to the example backend. [5] Backend In the example backend, the received UUID can be assigned to the vehicle identification number and thus to the vehicle owner / user (S13). Subsequently, a notification can be sent to the user, for example via SMS or a smartphone application (S15). Additionally, the position of the sending vehicle 22 can be visualized on a map on a smartphone or web interface when it is sighted.

[0064] Steps [3] and [4] can be repeated multiple times. Each time the light signature is detected by another vehicle, i.e., by a reporting vehicle 14, the current location and timestamp, and possibly additional information, are transmitted again S11.

Claims

[1] Theft reporting procedure, wherein a theft detection device (12) of a reporting motor vehicle (14): - receives (S7) a vehicle-specific light signature signal from a lighting device (34) of a transmitting vehicle (22), wherein the received light signature signal describes a vehicle-specific identification number of the transmitting vehicle (22), - determines the current location of the reporting vehicle (14) (S9), - generates a theft detection signal (S10) that describes the vehicle-specific identification number of the sending vehicle (22) and the detected location, and - transmits the generated theft detection signal to a theft alarm device (16) (S11); and wherein the theft alarm device (16): - receives the generated theft detection signal (S12), - a contact person assigned to the sending vehicle (22) is identified using the vehicle-specific identification number (S13), - generates a theft alarm signal (S14) and transmits it to a receiving device (42) of the identified contact person (S15), wherein the generated theft alarm signal describes a theft of the sending motor vehicle (22) and the determined location. [2] Theft reporting method according to claim 1, wherein the received light signature signal describes a Universally Unique Identifier of the sending motor vehicle (22). [3] Theft reporting method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a monitoring device (20) of the transmitting motor vehicle (22): - determines (S1) that the transmitting vehicle (22) is moving, - detects the absence of a vehicle key in the sending vehicle (22) (S2), - due to the detected motor vehicle movement and the absence of the motor vehicle key: the motor vehicle-specific light signature signal is generated (S3) and output via the lighting device (34) of the transmitting motor vehicle (22) (S4). [4] Theft reporting method according to claim 3, wherein the monitoring device (20) detects the absence of a data communication connection to a data server external to the motor vehicle (S5); and additionally generates the motor vehicle-specific light signature signal due to the lack of a data communication connection (S3). [5] Theft reporting method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the monitoring device (20) of the transmitting motor vehicle (22) outputs the motor vehicle-specific light signature signal via one or more headlights (36) of the lighting device (34) (S4). [6] Theft detection device (12) which is configured to detect the procedural steps relating to the theft detection device (12) to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 or 2. [7] Storage medium (46) with a program code which, when executed by a processor device, is configured to cause a theft detection device (12) to carry out the process steps relating to the theft detection device (12) of a method according to one of claims 1 or 2. [8] Mobile, portable terminal device (48) comprising a storage medium (46) according to claim 7 and / or a theft detection device (12) according to claim 6. [9] Motor vehicle external server device (50) for operation on the Internet, comprising a storage medium (46) according to claim 7 and / or a theft detection device (12) according to claim 6. [10] Reporting vehicle (14) comprising a theft detection device (12) according to claim 6. [11] Theft alarm system (10) comprising a theft detection device (12) according to claim 6, and a theft alarm device (16); wherein the theft alarm device (16) is configured to: - to receive a theft detection signal from the theft detection device (12) (S12),5 - to identify a contact person assigned to the sending vehicle (22) on the basis of a vehicle-specific identification number of a sending vehicle (22) described by the received theft detection signal (S13), - to generate a theft alarm signal (S14) and transmit it to a receiving device (42) of the identified contact person (S15), wherein the generated theft alarm signal describes a theft of the sending motor vehicle (22) and the determined location, preferably also a determined reception time. [12] Theft alarm system (10) according to claim 11, comprising a monitoring device (20) which is configured to: - to determine that the transmitting vehicle (22) is moving (S1), - to determine the absence of a motor vehicle key in the sending motor vehicle (22) (S2), - based on the detected motor vehicle movement and the absence of the motor vehicle key: to generate the motor vehicle-specific light signature signal (S3) and to output it via the lighting device (34) (S4); preferably wherein the monitoring device (20) is additionally equipped for this purpose: - to detect the failure to establish a data communication connection to a data server external to the vehicle (S5); and - to generate the vehicle-specific light signature signal additionally due to the lack of a data communication connection (S3).

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