Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft or relay crime, is a growing concern for car owners worldwide. Criminals are using sophisticated technology to exploit keyless entry systems, allowing them to steal vehicles in a matter of seconds. If you own a car with keyless entry, understanding how this type of theft works and, more importantly, How To Stop Car Keys Being Scanned is crucial for protecting your valuable asset.
This guide, brought to you by the car experts at carcodepro.com, will delve into the methods thieves use to scan car keys and provide you with comprehensive strategies and tips to effectively prevent keyless car theft. We’ll cover everything from simple everyday habits to advanced security measures, ensuring you have the knowledge to safeguard your vehicle.
Understanding Keyless Car Theft and How Keys Are Scanned
What is Keyless Car Theft?
Keyless car theft is a method where thieves use signal amplification devices to trick your car into thinking the key fob is nearby, even when it’s safely inside your home. This bypasses the normal security system, allowing them to unlock, start, and drive away your vehicle without ever needing your physical key.
How Does Key Scanning Work?
The process is surprisingly simple and quick for thieves:
Step 1: Signal Interception: A thief with a relay device stands near your house (or wherever you keep your keys). This device intercepts the radio signal emitted by your key fob.
Step 2: Signal Amplification and Relay: The relay device amplifies this signal and transmits it to a second thief standing near your car.
Step 3: Vehicle Deception and Access: Your car receives the amplified signal, mistaking it for the proximity of your actual key fob. This fools the car’s system, unlocking the doors and enabling the ignition.
This entire operation can take as little as 20-30 seconds, making it a swift and efficient crime. Thieves only need to be within a few meters of your keys to capture the signal, highlighting the importance of proper key storage and preventative measures.
Effective Ways to Stop Car Keys Being Scanned and Prevent Keyless Car Theft
Now that you understand how key scanning works, let’s explore practical and effective methods to stop car keys being scanned and protect your vehicle from keyless theft.
1. Utilize a Signal Blocking Pouch (Faraday Bag)
One of the most recommended and effective methods to stop car keys being scanned is using a signal blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday bag.
How Faraday Bags Work:
Faraday bags are lined with metallic materials that create a Faraday cage, effectively blocking electromagnetic fields and radio waves. When you place your key fob inside a Faraday bag, it becomes isolated from external signals, preventing thieves from intercepting and amplifying its signal.
Benefits of Faraday Bags:
- Highly Effective: They provide a reliable barrier against signal scanning.
- Affordable: Faraday bags are readily available online and in auto accessory stores at a relatively low cost, often starting from around £5.
- Versatile: They can also block Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, offering added security for mobile phones and other devices.
- Easy to Use: Simply place your keys inside the pouch when you’re at home or in any situation where your car is vulnerable.
Tip: When purchasing a Faraday bag, ensure it is specifically designed for car key fobs and has reliable signal blocking capabilities. Test it by trying to unlock your car with the key fob inside the pouch to confirm it’s working correctly.
2. Disable Your Keyless Fob’s Wireless Signal (Sleep Mode)
Some modern keyless fobs come with a feature that allows you to manually disable the wireless signal when not in use. This effectively puts the fob into a “sleep mode,” making it impossible for thieves to scan and amplify its signal.
How to Disable the Wireless Signal:
- Consult Your Car Manual: The process for disabling the wireless signal varies depending on the car manufacturer and model. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Manufacturer Contact: If you cannot find information in your manual, contact your car manufacturer’s customer service or your local dealership for guidance.
- Button Combinations: Some fobs require pressing a specific combination of buttons to activate or deactivate the signal.
Benefits of Disabling Wireless Signal:
- Directly Addresses the Vulnerability: By turning off the signal, you eliminate the source of the problem.
- No Additional Purchase Needed: This is a built-in feature in some fobs, requiring no extra cost.
Considerations:
- Convenience: You’ll need to manually disable and re-enable the signal each time you park and drive, which might be slightly inconvenient.
- Availability: Not all keyless fobs have this feature.
3. Employ Physical Security Measures: Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms
While electronic countermeasures are essential to stop car keys being scanned, physical security devices provide an additional layer of deterrence against theft.
Steering Wheel Locks:
Steering wheel locks are mechanical devices that clamp onto your steering wheel, making it impossible to steer the car.
Benefits of Steering Wheel Locks:
- Visual Deterrent: They are highly visible and can deter thieves from even attempting to steal your car.
- Mechanical Security: They provide a physical barrier that is difficult to overcome without specialized tools and time.
- Affordable: Steering wheel locks are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Car Alarms:
Car alarms detect unauthorized entry or movement and sound a loud siren, attracting attention and potentially scaring off thieves.
Benefits of Car Alarms:
- Audible Deterrent: The loud alarm can frighten thieves and alert people nearby.
- Insurance Benefits: Installing a Thatcham-approved car alarm can sometimes reduce your car insurance premiums.
- Enhanced Security: Modern car alarms can include features like immobilizers, which prevent the engine from starting without the correct key.
Choosing Security Devices:
When selecting steering wheel locks or car alarms, look for products with third-party approvals like “Sold Secure.” This certification indicates that the product has been tested against common theft tools and methods.
4. Park Strategically: Garage or Secure Location
Where you park your car can also significantly impact its vulnerability to keyless car theft.
Garage Parking:
Parking your car in a garage overnight is ideal as it physically isolates your vehicle, increasing the distance between your car and potential thieves attempting to scan your keys.
Defensive Driveway Parking:
If you don’t have a garage, park your car as close to your house as possible. This minimizes the range for signal scanning from the street.
Well-Lit and Public Areas:
When parking in public, choose well-lit areas with pedestrian traffic. Thieves are less likely to target cars in visible and populated locations.
5. Enhance Home Security: Outdoor Lighting and CCTV
Upgrading your home security can create an additional layer of protection against keyless car theft.
Motion-Activated Lighting:
Install outdoor motion-detector lights around your property, especially near your driveway and garage. These lights will illuminate if someone approaches your car at night, deterring potential thieves and alerting you to suspicious activity.
CCTV Cameras:
Consider installing CCTV cameras to monitor your driveway and surrounding areas. Visible cameras can deter criminals, and recorded footage can be valuable evidence in case of theft.
Professional Home Security Check:
Consult a local locksmith or home security specialist for a comprehensive security assessment of your property. They can advise on the best ways to enhance your overall security posture.
6. VIN Etching on Windows
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching involves permanently engraving your car’s VIN or registration number onto the windows, headlights, and mirrors.
How VIN Etching Helps:
- Theft Deterrent: Etched windows make it much more difficult and costly for thieves to resell stolen vehicles or parts, as the vehicle’s identity is clearly marked.
- Reduced Resale Value for Thieves: Vehicles with etched windows are less attractive to thieves because they are harder to disguise and sell.
Benefits of VIN Etching:
- Relatively Inexpensive: VIN etching services are generally affordable.
- Permanent Identification: The etching is permanent and lasts the lifetime of the vehicle.
7. Maintain a Tidy Vehicle Interior
While it might seem unrelated to key scanning, keeping your car tidy can help prevent opportunistic theft and reduce your risk profile.
Reduce Temptation for Thieves:
- Hide Valuables: Keep valuables like laptops, phones, and GPS devices out of sight. Store them in the trunk or glove compartment before parking.
- Empty Glove Box (Visibly): Consider leaving your glove box open to show that there is nothing of value inside.
- Remove Suction Cup Marks: Wipe away suction cup marks from GPS devices on your windshield, as these indicate the presence of valuable electronics.
8. Secure Lost or Second-hand Keys
Lost Car Keys:
If you lose your car keys, promptly contact an auto locksmith to reprogram your car’s system. This ensures that the lost keys can no longer be used to access or start your vehicle, even if they fall into the wrong hands.
Second-hand Vehicles:
When purchasing a used car, especially one with keyless entry, it’s wise to have the keys reprogrammed. This eliminates the risk of previous owners (or anyone who might have copies of the old keys) accessing your vehicle.
Cost Consideration: Be aware that key reprogramming can be expensive, especially if done through the manufacturer. Auto locksmiths often offer more cost-effective solutions.
Car Models at Risk and Keyless Entry Security Ratings
Which Cars Are Vulnerable?
Any car with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to relay theft. Popular models like Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Focus have been identified as at risk.
Thatcham Security Ratings:
Thatcham Research, a UK automotive research center, introduced a security rating system for keyless entry cars based on their resistance to relay attacks.
Vehicles Passing Keyless Theft Tests (Superior Rating):
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Security Rating |
|---|---|
| Audi e-tron | Superior |
| BMW 1 Series / 7 Series / 8 Series | Superior |
| BMW X6 / X7 | Superior |
| Ford Puma | Superior |
| Jaguar XE | Superior |
| Land Rover Evoque | Superior |
| Mercedes B-Class | Superior |
| Porsche 911 | Superior |
| Porsche Macan | Superior |
| Volkswagen Passat | Superior |
Vehicles Failing Keyless Theft Tests (Poor Rating):
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Security Rating |
|---|---|
| DS3 Crossback | Poor |
| Ford Mondeo | Poor |
| Kia ProCeed | Poor |
| Lexus UX | Poor |
| Hyundai Nexo | Poor |
| Mazda 3 | Poor |
| Toyota Corolla | Poor |
| Toyota RAV-4 | Poor |
| Volvo V60 | Poor |
Check Thatcham’s website for the most up-to-date ratings and information on specific car models.
Keyless Car Theft FAQs
Does putting car keys in a tin block the signal?
Storing your key fob in a metal tin might block the signal, but it’s not always reliable. Metal containers can offer some shielding, but a Faraday bag is a more effective and purpose-built solution for blocking radio waves. Test any metal container to ensure it blocks the signal before relying on it.
Where should I keep my car keys at night to prevent scanning?
The best practice is to store your key fob inside a Faraday bag and keep it as far away from doors and windows as possible within your home.
Will car insurance cover keyless car theft?
Most comprehensive car insurance policies will cover theft, including keyless car theft. However, insurers may require proof that you still possess all sets of keys for the vehicle. Always check your specific policy details and consult with your insurer.
Are car manufacturers addressing keyless car theft?
Yes, many car manufacturers are implementing preventative measures. These include:
- Motion Sensor Key Fobs: Fobs that go into sleep mode after inactivity, like those from Ford, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes.
- Faraday Bags: Some manufacturers, like Kia, are providing Faraday bags to customers.
- Improved Keyless Systems: Developing more secure keyless entry systems that are harder to exploit.
Are vans also at risk of keyless theft?
Yes, vans with keyless entry systems are also vulnerable to relay theft. Ford Transit vans have been particularly targeted.
What is the future of relay theft prevention?
The automotive industry is continuously working on enhancing vehicle security. Future advancements may include more sophisticated keyless systems, improved signal encryption, and wider adoption of motion sensor fobs and other preventative technologies. In the meantime, utilizing the preventative measures outlined in this guide is crucial for protecting your vehicle.
Need More Help?
If you have concerns about keyless car theft or need advice on securing your vehicle, contact us at carcodepro.com or consult a certified auto locksmith in your area for expert assistance.
Contact us about keyless car theft (Example Contact Link)
Find a certified car locksmith near you (Example Locksmith Finder Link)
By understanding the risks of keyless car theft and implementing these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability and protect your car from being targeted by thieves. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and take proactive steps to stop car keys being scanned.
