Gone In 60 Seconds: Why Keyless Car Theft Is On The Rise
Back in the 1980s, vehicle crime was endemic, with poor-quality locks accessed by flat blade keys offering minimal protection against determined car thieves. Advances in vehicle security, including remote key fobs, engine immobilisers, and GPS trackers, significantly reduced levels of car crime in the decades that followed, but recent car theft from UK statistics have revealed worrying trends that should concern all motorists:
- Owners of keyless cars are twice as likely to register a theft claim as those with non-keyless vehicles.
- 94 per cent of cars recovered after theft was of the keyless variety.
- 73 per cent of thefts occur at the owner’s home, where only 34 per cent of vehicles are stored overnight in a garage.
These statistics underline the theory that keyless cars are targeted most frequently – potentially because it is easier for criminals to steal them. In this article, we’ll explore the rising trend of keyless car theft and offer practical tips on how motorists can protect their assets.
How Does Keyless Car Theft Work?
Keyless cars are vehicles equipped with remote locking and starting systems that only require a fob to be in close range. While these offer exceptional convenience for motorists, they have unwittingly become easier targets for thieves.
According to police, it can take as little as two minutes for skilled criminals to steal a keyless car. The keyless fob which is used to lock and unlock the vehicle contains an in-built transponder that transmits a low-frequency signal to the vehicle’s computer. If the key is out of range, the car cannot receive the signal and it remains locked. However, using sophisticated equipment available online, criminals can intercept and duplicate the signals, enabling them to bypass the car’s security measures. The replicated signal fools the car into believing that the legitimate key is present, allowing the thief to gain instant access to the vehicle and drive away undetected.
How Can Motorists Protect Their Vehicles From Theft?
While the increasing number of cars stolen with keyless entry is a concern, there are simple measures that car owners can take to safeguard their vehicles:
- Invest in a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) to store the key fob and prevent criminals from intercepting and replicating the signals.
- Key fobs should be left away from windows or doors, as thieves can amplify the signal to gain access to the vehicle.
- Whenever possible, customers should park their vehicles in a well-lit area, garage, or secure parking facilities equipped with surveillance cameras.
- A visible steering wheel lock can function as a powerful deterrent that discourages thieves from attempting to obtain access to a vehicle.
- Customers should ensure that their car’s software is up to date, as manufacturers often release security patches to address vulnerabilities.
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