Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft, is a growing concern for car owners. You might be wondering, Can Thieves Scan Car Keys? The answer is not exactly “scan” in the way you might think of scanning a barcode, but technically, yes, thieves can capture and amplify the signal from your key fob to steal your car. This article will delve into what keyless car theft is, how it works, and most importantly, how you can protect your vehicle from this increasingly sophisticated crime. Learn if your car has a keyless entry system and discover which models are particularly vulnerable to this type of theft.
What is Keyless Car Theft and How Does Scanning Come Into Play?
Keyless car theft, or relay theft, happens when criminals use electronic devices to exploit the keyless entry system in modern vehicles. Instead of physically “scanning” your car keys in a direct sense, thieves utilize technology to scan and capture the radio signals emitted by your key fob. This captured signal is then relayed to your car, tricking it into thinking the actual key is present, even when it’s not.
How Keyless Car Theft – or “Scanning” – Works: Step-by-Step
To better understand how thieves “scan car keys” and use this to steal vehicles, let’s break down the process:
Step 1: Signal “Scanning” and Capture – A thief, often positioned near your house or wherever you keep your keys, uses a device (a signal amplifier and receiver) to scan for and capture the radio frequency signal emitted by your key fob. This device essentially acts as a powerful antenna, extending the range of your key fob’s signal.
Step 2: Signal Relay to the Vehicle – The captured signal is then relayed to a second thief standing near your car. This accomplice uses another device that re-transmits the amplified signal to your vehicle.
Step 3: Vehicle Deception and Access – Upon receiving the relayed signal, the car’s keyless entry system is fooled into believing that the legitimate key fob is nearby. This allows the thieves to unlock the doors, start the engine, and drive away – all without ever needing the physical key.
“Keyless car theft can happen incredibly fast, often in as little as 20-30 seconds.”
How Close Do Thieves Need to Be to “Scan” Your Car Keys?
Thieves don’t need to be right next to your keys to “scan” their signal. The devices used in relay theft can typically capture signals from a distance of a few meters. This means if your keys are close to an exterior wall, door, or window of your house, thieves outside can potentially intercept the signal. We will discuss effective methods to block thieves from capturing your car key signal and prevent this type of “scanning” later in this article.
The Speed of “Scanning”: How Long Does Keyless Car Theft Take?
The alarming aspect of keyless car theft is its speed. Once thieves have positioned themselves to “scan” and relay your key’s signal, the actual theft can be executed in a mere 20 to 30 seconds. This rapid execution makes it difficult to detect and prevent in real-time, highlighting the need for proactive security measures.
“Scanning” Devices: What Equipment Do Thieves Use?
The equipment used to “scan” and steal keyless cars is often referred to as relay attack tools or signal amplifiers. These devices are specialist electronic equipment designed to:
- Capture (Scan): Intercept and amplify the weak radio signals emitted by key fobs.
- Relay: Transmit the amplified signal to the targeted vehicle.
These devices are becoming increasingly accessible, contributing to the rise in keyless car theft incidents.
Is My Car Vulnerable to Key “Scanning”? Determining Keyless Entry
Not all cars are susceptible to keyless car theft. If you need to physically press a button on your key fob to unlock your car, your vehicle is not at risk from this type of “scanning” attack.
Only vehicles equipped with a keyless entry system are vulnerable to relay theft. Here’s how to determine if your car has keyless entry:
- Proximity Unlock: Keyless entry cars automatically unlock when the key fob is within a certain proximity to the vehicle, typically without pressing any buttons.
- Push-Button Start: Once inside a keyless entry car, you can start the engine by simply pressing a button, as long as the key fob is inside the vehicle.
For a comprehensive understanding of keyless entry systems, refer to this guide.
Preventing Keyless Car Theft: Protecting Your Keys from “Scanning”
To safeguard your keyless entry car from becoming a victim of relay theft and the associated “scanning” of your keys, consider these effective preventative measures:
1. Faraday Bags or Signal Blocking Pouches: Your First Line of Defense Against “Scanning”
Car key burglaries are unfortunately on the rise. For owners of keyless entry vehicles, keeping your car keys secure is paramount.
If you own a keyless entry car, ensure your keys are stored well away from doors and windows within your home. The most effective method is to use a signal blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday bag. These pouches are designed to block electromagnetic fields, preventing thieves from “scanning” and capturing your key fob’s signal. Store your keys, including any spare sets, inside a Faraday bag whenever you are at home.
Fact: Signal Blocking Pouches are also known as Faraday Bags or Pouches
Why Faraday Bags Effectively Block “Scanning”
Image courtesy of Solon Security
Signal blocking pouches are lined with layers of metallic material that create a Faraday cage effect. This metallic lining blocks radio waves, preventing your key fob from transmitting its signal and, consequently, stopping thieves from “scanning” and intercepting it.
As John Mutch Locksmith explains, “The pouch has a metallic lining… which prevents signals from the remote key fob being intercepted by unwanted individuals.”
By placing your keys in a signal blocking pouch, you effectively neutralize the threat of relay theft by making it impossible for thieves to “scan” and amplify your key’s signal.
Affordability of Signal Blocking Pouches
The good news is that these protective pouches are quite affordable. Signal blocking pouches can be purchased for as little as £5, making them a cost-effective security measure. Beyond car key security, they can also be used to block WI-FI and Bluetooth signals on mobile phones, offering broader protection against electronic eavesdropping.
Explore a Faraday/Signal Blocking Pouch Guide and a guide to the Best Signal Blocking Pouches.
2. Deactivate Your Keyless Fob’s Wireless Signal
Some keyless fobs offer the option to manually disable their wireless signal. This feature, if available on your fob, can be a valuable tool in preventing relay theft and “scanning”.
To determine if your keyless fob can be deactivated, consult your car’s owner’s manual. The manual should provide instructions on how to switch off the wireless signal, if this function is supported. If you cannot find information in your manual, contact your vehicle manufacturer directly for assistance.
This Wikihow guide provides further information on deactivating keyless fobs.
3. Utilize Physical Security Measures: Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms
While electronic “scanning” is the method used in keyless car theft, physical security measures remain effective deterrents. Consider using a steering wheel lock or installing a car alarm system.
Steering wheel locks serve as a visible physical barrier, deterring thieves even if they manage to bypass the keyless entry system through “scanning”. Modern car thieves often rely on electronic tools, making mechanical deterrents like steering wheel locks surprisingly effective.
When choosing a security device, look for products with 3rd party approval, such as Sold Secure. Sold Secure tests products against criminal tools, ensuring they meet robust security standards.
Find Sold Secure approved steering wheel locks here.
Car Alarms and Insurance Benefits
Installing a car alarm, especially if your car doesn’t have a factory-fitted system, can not only deter thieves but potentially also reduce your car insurance premiums. However, always verify with your insurance provider that the alarm system is approved, as alarm quality can vary.
For even greater insurance benefits, consider installing a professionally fitted immobilizer, which is often the most cost-effective way to lower your insurance premiums.
Learn more about the impact of car alarms on insurance.
4. Secure Parking Practices: Garage and Defensive Parking
Where you park your car can also play a role in preventing keyless car theft. Parking your car in a garage overnight is an ideal way to minimize the risk. A garage increases the physical distance between your car and potential thieves attempting to “scan” your key fob signal from outside your home.
If you don’t have a garage or park on your driveway, park defensively. This means parking as close to your house as possible, making it more difficult for thieves to get close enough to “scan” your keys and relay the signal to your vehicle.
Enhanced Home Security Measures
Consider enhancing your overall home security to further deter car theft. Installing outdoor motion detector lighting and CCTV cameras can act as a significant deterrent to potential thieves. If you regularly park on the street, choose well-lit areas whenever possible.
A local MLA master locksmith can conduct a home security assessment and advise on upgrading your outdoor security measures.
Explore 18 Home Security Tips and Outdoor Security Advice for more information.
5. VIN Etching: Making Your Car Less Desirable to Thieves
Consider VIN etching, which involves etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (or registration number) onto your car’s windows, headlights, and mirrors. This makes it significantly more difficult for thieves to resell your car or its parts, as altering the vehicle’s identity becomes a much more complex and risky process. VIN etching acts as a deterrent, making your vehicle less attractive to thieves targeting keyless cars through “scanning”.
Is VIN etching a worthwhile investment?
6. Keep Your Car Tidy: Reducing Temptation
While not directly related to “scanning”, keeping your car tidy and free of valuable items can reduce your risk of becoming a target for thieves in general. Hide or remove any electronic devices like Sat Navs and mobile phones. Keep your glove box empty and consider leaving it open to show there’s nothing of value inside. Also, be mindful of leaving suction cup marks on your windshield from Sat Navs, as these can indicate the presence of valuable devices.
7. Secure Lost Car Keys: Preventing Exploitation of Lost Fobs
If you have lost your car keys, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Contact a local MLA auto locksmith, who are experts in vehicle locks and keys. They can reprogram your vehicle’s system to ensure that only your current keys work, deactivating any lost or stolen keys. This prevents thieves from potentially using stolen keys, even if they weren’t obtained through “scanning”.
Learn about car key reprogramming and the best ways to replace lost car keys.
8. Reprogram Second-hand Car Keys: Ensuring Key Security
If you purchase a second-hand vehicle, there’s always a slight risk that you may not have received all sets of keys. To be certain about your vehicle’s security, especially against keyless theft methods like “scanning”, consider getting your car keys reprogrammed. This will prevent previous owners from accessing your vehicle using any keys they might still possess.
Warning: Reprogramming car keys can be expensive, particularly if you go directly to the manufacturer. Hiring an auto locksmith is generally a more cost-effective option. Find a local auto locksmith here.
Car Models at Risk of Keyless Car Theft and “Scanning”
Any vehicle with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to relay theft and “scanning” attacks. Popular car models such as the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Focus have been identified as being at risk.
The BBC reported in their article, Hundreds of popular cars ‘at risk of keyless theft’, on research analyzing data related to keyless or “relay” attacks on cars.
View a list of Keyless Cars Tested by ADAC.
A study by the General German Automobile Club (ADAC) tested 237 keyless cars and found that an alarming 230 of them could be unlocked and started using relay crime techniques – highlighting the widespread vulnerability to “scanning”.
Thatcham Security Ratings for Keyless Entry Cars Against “Scanning”
In 2019, Thatcham Research, a UK automotive research center, introduced a security rating specifically for keyless entry car models, evaluating their resistance to relay theft or “scanning”. Here are some of their findings:
Keyless Entry Vehicle Models That Passed the “Scanning” 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 |
Keyless Entry Vehicle Models That Failed the “Scanning” Test
The following keyless entry car models FAILED Thatcham’s relay attack test and received 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 and “Scanning” – Frequently Asked Questions
Does putting car keys in a tin block the “scanning” signal?
Storing your car key fob in a metallic tin MAY help block the “scanning” signal and prevent keyless car theft. A metal container can act as a rudimentary Faraday cage, potentially disrupting the signal.
However, the effectiveness of a tin can vary. It’s recommended to test if the signal is truly blocked by attempting to unlock your car with the key inside the tin while near the vehicle. For reliable signal blocking, a dedicated signal blocking pouch or Faraday bag is a more secure solution.
Where is the best place to keep my car keys at night to prevent “scanning”?
To prevent keyless car theft through “scanning”, the best practice is to store your key fob inside a signal blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) every night. Additionally, place your keys as far away from exterior doors and windows as possible to further minimize the risk of signal interception.
Will My Car Insurance Cover Keyless Car theft if my keys are “scanned”?
With car theft payouts reaching record highs in 2019, relay crime and “scanning” are suspected to be contributing factors.
Most car insurance policies should cover theft if your car is stolen due to keyless theft methods like “scanning”. However, insurers may require proof that you still possess all sets of keys for the vehicle. It is crucial to verify the specifics of your coverage with your car insurance provider.
Are Car Manufacturers Taking Action to Prevent Keyless Car Theft and “Scanning”?
Yes, some car manufacturers are actively implementing preventative measures to combat keyless car theft and “scanning”.
Kia, for instance, is providing their own Faraday bags to customers to help block key fob signals.
Manufacturers like Ford (in models like Focus, Kuga, and Puma), BMW, Audi, and Mercedes have introduced Motion Sensor Key Fobs. These fobs enter a sleep mode after a period of inactivity (e.g., 40 seconds), preventing signal “scanning” when the fob is stationary.
Are Vans Also Vulnerable to Keyless Theft and “Scanning”?
Yes, vans are also at risk. In 2018, a significant increase in keyless van thefts was reported. Ford Transits were among the most frequently stolen van models.
What is the Future of Relay Theft and “Scanning” Prevention?
Efforts are underway to address keyless car theft. Steffan George, Managing Director of the MLA (Master Locksmiths Association), met with West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson to advocate for stronger action from car manufacturers to combat vehicle thefts.
For now, utilizing a Faraday pouch to protect your key fob from “scanning” remains a highly recommended and practical step in preventing your car from becoming a victim of relay theft.
Questions About Keyless Car Theft and “Scanning”?
If you have concerns about keyless car theft and how to protect your vehicle from “scanning” attacks, contact us using the link below or consult with a MLA licensed car locksmith in your area for expert advice.
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