While some hardware stores may be able to program a modern car key, it’s something most folks end up at their car dealer for—or a locksmith, if you’ve lost a key altogether.

If you're looking to pick up a new key fob, or repair one, you might wonder how long programming it takes and whether or not you can do it yourself.

CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's the latest target for car thieves. It's not a Chevy or Jeep. It's a device. It doesn't look like much, but for crooks, it's the key to quickly getting behind the wheel of as ...

In addition to the key fobs and programming device, Smith said he recovered black clothing, a black hat and tools from the vehicle. The device was traced back to a locksmith in Birmingham, Alabama ...

In addition to tailgate thefts, authorities are also seeing an increase in high-tech vehicle thefts using key programming devices.

“These devices are about the size of a cell phone and are a programming tool that picks up the signal of a key fob nearby which the device then clones,” police said.