Find out what keyless car theft is and how to prevent your keyless entry car from being stolen. Learn if your car is keyless entry and what car models are at risk as keyless car theft (relay theft) is a crime on the rise.
What is Keyless Car Theft?
Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft or relay crime, is a method where thieves capture the signal from your keyless car entry system using a device, even when the key is inside your home. This allows them to unlock and steal your car without needing the actual key fob.
Keyless Car Theft – How It Works: The Scanning Process
The process of keyless car theft involves “scanning” your car keys to intercept and amplify their signal. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Signal Interception – A thief, positioned near your house (or wherever your car keys are), uses a relay device to scan for the signal emitted by your keyless car fob. This device acts as a receiver, capturing the faint signal from your key.
Step 2: Signal Amplification and Relay – Once the signal is intercepted, the device amplifies it and relays it to a second device held by another thief standing near your car. This amplified signal essentially extends the range of your car key.
Step 3: Car Deception and Access – Your car, tricked into thinking the genuine key fob is nearby, unlocks its doors and disengages the immobilizer. This allows the thieves to easily enter the vehicle, start the ignition (often with a push-button start), and drive away.
“Keyless car theft can take only 20-30 seconds”
How Far Do Thieves Need to Be to Scan Your Car Keys?
Thieves can scan your car keys from a distance of only a few meters. This means they can operate from just outside your house, even if your keys are inside. It’s crucial to understand that the vulnerability lies in the signal being transmitted from your key fob, which can be captured if not properly shielded. We’ll explain how to block thieves from capturing your car key signal in the prevention tips below.
How Long Does Scanning and Theft Take?
The entire process of scanning your car keys, relaying the signal, and stealing the car can be surprisingly quick. Keyless car theft can be executed in as little as 20 to 30 seconds, making it a swift and efficient crime for perpetrators.
What Devices Do Thieves Use to Scan Car Keys?
Thieves employ specialist electronic equipment, commonly known as relay devices or scanners, to carry out keyless car theft. These devices are designed to capture the radio frequency signal emitted by your key fob. The equipment typically consists of a transmitter to capture the signal and a receiver to relay and amplify it to the car.
Is My Car Keyless Entry?
It’s important to determine if your car has a keyless entry system, as only these vehicles are vulnerable to relay theft. If you need to physically press a button on your car keys to unlock your car, then your vehicle is not at risk from this specific type of “hacking.”
Cars with keyless entry systems allow you to unlock, start, and sometimes even lock the vehicle without physically pressing buttons on the key fob. Typically, you can keep your key fob in your pocket or bag, and the car will detect its proximity, enabling you to open the doors and start the engine with a push of a button inside the car.
Full guide to what keyless entry is
Preventing Car Key Scanning: Top Security Measures
To safeguard your keyless entry car from falling victim to relay theft, here are essential prevention tips that focus on blocking the scanning of your car keys:
1. Use a Signal Blocking Pouch (Faraday Bag) – Keep Your Car Keys Safe
With car key burglaries on the rise, securing your car keys is more critical than ever. If you own a keyless entry car, ensure your keys are stored well away from exterior doors and windows to minimize signal reach.
The most effective method is to keep your car key in a signal-blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday bag. This pouch is designed to create a shield around your key fob, preventing its signal from being “grabbed” from outside and used to unlock your car. Remember to use a Faraday bag for any spare sets of keys as well.
Fact: Signal Blocking pouches are also known as Faraday Bags or Pouches
Why Use a Signal Blocking Pouch (Faraday Bag)
Signal blocking pouches are lined with layers of metallic material that effectively block electromagnetic fields, preventing your key fob from transmitting its signal. This simple yet effective measure disrupts thieves’ attempts to scan and amplify your key’s signal for relay theft.
“The pouch which has a metallic lining, prevents signals from the remote key fob being intercepted by unwanted individuals” – John Mutch Locksmith, John Mutch Locksmith
Using a signal blocking pouch ensures that thieves cannot amplify the signal from your car keys, effectively stopping relay theft attempts.
How much do signal blocking pouches cost?
Signal blocking pouches are a cost-effective security solution, often priced from as low as £5. Their versatility extends beyond car key protection, as they can also block Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals on mobile phones, offering broader digital security.
Faraday/Signal Blocking Pouch Guide Best Signal Blocking Pouches Guide
2. Turn off Keyless Fob’s Wireless Signal
Some keyless fobs have a feature that allows you to manually deactivate the wireless signal they emit. This can be an effective way to prevent scanning when your car is parked and you are at home.
To check if your keyless fob has this capability, consult your car’s manual. It should provide instructions on how to disable the wireless signal, often involving a specific button sequence or menu option within the car’s settings.
If you cannot find information in your manual, contacting your vehicle’s manufacturer or dealership is recommended to inquire about this feature and how to use it.
Wikihow guide to turning off fob
3. Use a Steering Wheel Lock or Car Alarm to Deter Scanning and Theft
Employing physical security measures such as steering wheel locks and car alarms can act as strong deterrents against keyless car theft.
While modern car thieves are technologically advanced, mechanical devices like steering wheel locks present a significant physical barrier, making theft more difficult and time-consuming. This can deter thieves looking for an easy target.
When selecting a security device, look for third-party approvals like “Sold Secure.” This certification indicates that the product has been tested against tools and techniques used by criminals, ensuring a higher level of security.
Find an approved steering wheel lock
An alarm can reduce your car insurance
Installing a car alarm, especially if your car doesn’t have a factory-fitted one, can potentially lower your car insurance premiums.
Ensure the alarm system is insurer-approved, as alarm quality can vary. For further insurance savings, consider a professionally installed immobilizer, which is often the most cost-effective way to reduce your premium.
Will a car alarm impact my insurance
4. Park in a Garage at Night to Prevent Signal Scanning
Parking your car in a garage overnight is an ideal way to prevent keyless car theft. A garage physically obstructs thieves from getting close enough to your car to intercept and amplify the signal from your key fob.
If you don’t have a garage or park on your driveway, consider parking defensively. Park as close to your property as possible to increase the distance and make it more challenging for thieves to operate undetected.
Extra Security to Prevent Keyless Car Theft
Enhance your home security with outdoor motion detector lighting and CCTV cameras. Well-lit areas and visible surveillance can deter potential thieves. If you park on the street, choose well-lit areas whenever possible.
A local MLA master locksmith can conduct a home security check and advise on upgrading your outdoor security measures to further protect your vehicle.
18 Home Security Tips Outdoor Security Advice
5. Get your windows etched (VIN Etching)
Etching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or registration number onto your car windows, headlights, and mirrors adds a layer of security. VIN etching makes it significantly harder for thieves to resell your car or its parts, as it becomes more difficult to alter the vehicle’s identity. This can deter thieves who rely on quickly reselling stolen vehicles.
6. Keep your vehicle tidy to discourage theft
While not directly preventing keyless car theft, keeping your car interior tidy and free of valuable items can reduce your car’s appeal to opportunistic thieves. Hide any electronic devices like GPS units and mobile phones.
Try to keep your glove box empty and even leave it open to show potential thieves there is nothing of value inside. Conceal any signs of expensive equipment, such as suction cup marks from GPS devices on your windshield.
7. Secure Lost Car Keys to Prevent Unauthorized Scanning
If you lose your car keys, it’s crucial to act promptly. Contact a local MLA auto locksmith who specializes in vehicle locks and keys. They can ensure that the lost keys can no longer be used to access your vehicle, removing them from your car’s database. This will prevent any stolen or found keys from being used to scan and steal your car.
Get car keys reprogrammed Best way to replace lost car keys
8. Re-programme your keys for used vehicles
If you purchase a second-hand vehicle, there’s a possibility that not all sets of car keys have been provided to you. To ensure your security and prevent potential access by previous owners, it’s advisable to reprogram your car keys.
Reprogramming ensures that only your current set of keys will work with the vehicle. While programming costs can vary, especially at dealerships, consider using a certified auto locksmith for potentially more affordable services.
Get car keys reprogrammed hire an auto locksmith
Car Models Vulnerable to Keyless Scanning
Any vehicle equipped with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to relay theft. Popular car models such as the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Focus are known to be at risk.
Research from organizations like the General German Automobile Club (ADAC) has highlighted the widespread vulnerability. In one study, ADAC tested 237 keyless cars and found that 230 could be unlocked and started using relay crime techniques.
Hundreds of popular cars ‘at risk of keyless theft article from BBC. View Keyless Cars Tested by ADAC
Keyless Entry Cars Tested Against Keyless Car Theft by Thatcham
In 2019, Thatcham, a UK automotive research center, introduced a security rating specifically for keyless entry cars, evaluating their resistance to relay theft. Here are some of the results:
PASSED Vehicle Models of Keyless Car Theft Test
The following keyless entry car models PASSED Thatcham’s relay attack test and received a superior security rating:
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Pass Or Fail | Security Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Audi e-tron | Pass | Superior |
| BMW 1 Series / 7 Series / 8 Series | Pass | Superior |
| BMW X6 / X7 | Pass | Superior |
| Ford Puma | Pass | Superior |
| Jaguar XE | Pass | Superior |
| Land Rover Evoque | Pass | Superior |
| Mercedes B-Class | Pass | Superior |
| Porsche 911 | Pass | Superior |
| Porsche Macan | Pass | Superior |
| Volkswagen Passat | Pass | Superior |
FAILED Vehicle Models of Keyless Car Theft Test
The following keyless entry car models FAILED Thatcham’s relay attack test and were given a poor security rating:
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Pass Or Fail | Security Rating |
|---|---|---|
| DS3 Crossback | Fail | Poor |
| Ford Mondeo | Fail | Poor |
| Kia ProCeed | Fail | Poor |
| Lexus UX | Fail | Poor |
| Hyundai Nexo | Fail | Poor |
| Mazda 3 | Fail | Poor |
| Toyota Corolla | Fail | Poor |
| Toyota RAV-4 | Fail | Poor |
| Volvo V60 | Fail | Poor |
Keyless Car Theft – Frequently Asked Questions
Does putting car keys in a tin block the signal?
Storing your car key fob in a metallic tin MAY offer some level of signal blocking, potentially hindering thieves attempting to relay the signal. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the tin’s material and thickness.
If you choose to use a metallic container, it is highly recommended to test its blocking capability first. Place your key fob inside the tin and attempt to unlock your car from a close distance. If the car remains locked, the tin may be providing some protection.
For guaranteed signal blocking, using a dedicated signal blocking pouch or Faraday pouch is the most reliable solution for storing your car key fob safely.
Where should I keep my car keys at night?
To effectively prevent keyless car theft, especially if you have a keyless entry car, store your car key fob in a signal blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) every night. This will reliably block your key fob’s signal transmission. Additionally, place your car keys far away from doors and windows within your home to further minimize any potential signal interception attempts.
Will My Car Insurance Cover Keyless Car theft?
With car theft payouts reaching record highs, keyless or relay crime is considered a significant contributing factor.
Most car insurance policies typically cover theft, including instances of keyless car theft. However, insurers may require proof that you still possess all sets of keys issued with the vehicle. It is always advisable to verify the specifics of your coverage with your insurance provider.
Are Car Manufacturers doing anything to Prevent Keyless Car Theft?
Yes, car manufacturers are increasingly implementing preventative measures to combat keyless car theft.
Kia, for instance, is providing Faraday bags to customers to help block key signals. Manufacturers like Ford, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes have introduced motion sensor key fobs in models like Ford Focus, Fiesta, BMW, Audi & Mercedes. These fobs enter a sleep mode after a period of inactivity (e.g., 40 seconds), preventing signal scanning when the key is not in motion.
Kia providing their own faraday bag Motion Sensor Key Fobs introduced by Ford, BMW, Audi & Mercedes.
Are Vans also at threat to Keyless Theft?
Yes, vans are also vulnerable to keyless theft. Reports indicated a rise in keyless van thefts, particularly Ford Transit models, as early as 2018. Van owners with keyless entry systems should also adopt preventative measures to protect their vehicles.
Increase in keyless van thefts in 2018.
What is the future of Relay theft?
Efforts are ongoing to address and mitigate relay theft. Industry stakeholders, including law enforcement and car manufacturers, are collaborating to find more robust solutions. Calls for increased action from car manufacturers to enhance vehicle security features are continuous.
In the meantime, practical measures like using Faraday pouches remain crucial for car owners to protect their vehicles from relay theft.
Call for more action to tackle vehicle thefts.
Have a Question about Keyless Car theft?
If you are concerned about keyless car theft and how to protect your vehicle, contact us below or consult with a MLA licensed car locksmith in your area for expert advice.
Contact us about keyless car theft
Find nearest car locksmith for advice
