Back
How to protect your vehicle from keyless theft
01 June 2023
As you may be aware, keyless car theft has become a common issue in recent years and the latest figures from the Home Office reveal that car theft has increased by 50 per cent over the past five years, with around 60,000 vehicles stolen in the UK each year.
Figures from stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) specialist Tracker found that keyless car thefts accounted for 94 per cent of all car thefts in 2021.
This type of theft applies to vehicles which are unlocked using a digital fob, card or smartphone app, rather than a traditional metal key. Thieves are able to steal the vehicle without accessing the original fob or card by using any of the following methods:
Signal relaying – A wireless transmitter is held to the front door or window of a house where the original car fob or card is being kept, capturing the signal which it emits and trick the vehicle into believing the fob is within range to open and start the vehicle.
Signal jamming – A device transmitting on the same radio frequency as the remote fob is used to jam the signal that locks the car, so that when the owner clicks the lock button and walks away, the vehicle remains unlocked.
Key programming – All cars produced within the past decade have a standard diagnostic port fitted, typically located in the front footwell, which can be hacked using a device that plugs into the port and can boot up a vehicle’s software in order to program a blank key fob.
Close range testing – If the original keyless fob or card is close by the vehicle, for example if placed by the front door with the car parked on the driveway, or in a tent whilst camping, then thieves can simply open the car door and jumpstart the engine or steal any valuables inside.
Code grabbing – Thieves watch and wait for the vehicle owner to park and lock the doors, at which point they use a device which captures the signal to calculate the unlock code.
App hacking – As the name suggests, hackers are able to unlock vehicles simply by obtaining the username and password for the relevant app. In some cases, this can be as simple as stealing and unlocking a person’s mobile phone, on which the information is likely stored for easy access.
Unfortunately, as quickly as anti-theft systems in vehicles evolve, so too do the thieves themselves. How, then, can we protect our vehicles from keyless theft? Here are some helpful tips and tricks, courtesy of Sunday Times Driving:
- Watch for the blinking of your vehicle’s indicators, mirrors folding inwards and listen for the distinctive locking after you press the lock key, to ensure the signal has not been blocked.
- Place your fob or card far out of range of the vehicle overnight, or in a secure storage container, such as a Faraday pouch or aluminium tin (some people even put it in a microwave).
- Use a steering wheel or pedal lock.
- Fit your vehicle with a tracking device which will alert you if your vehicle is stolen.
- Find out if your key fob can be switched off at night, or if it has a motion sensor that allows it to automatically switch off when left idle.
- Deter thieves with a CCTV camera or smart doorbell.
- Update your vehicle’s anti-theft software as often as possible.
- If possible, keep your car out of sight in a secure garage or car park. Otherwise, try to park in a well-lit area.
Fleet and accident management specialists
If you would like to find out more about how your business could benefit from 24/7 accident management assistance if your vehicle or its contents are stolen, please get in touch with our friendly team of experts by emailing info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or calling 01480 414541. We will be delighted to assist.
Back