Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft or relay crime, is a growing concern for car owners. Thieves use sophisticated devices to intercept and amplify the signal from your key fob, even when it’s inside your home. This allows them to unlock and start your car in seconds. Understanding how this works and taking preventative measures is crucial to protect your vehicle.
Understanding Keyless Car Theft: How Scanning Works
Keyless entry systems are designed for convenience. They allow you to unlock and start your car without physically using a key. However, this convenience comes with a security risk. Here’s how keyless car theft through scanning, or relay theft, typically unfolds:
Step 1: Signal Interception – Thieves use a device, often called a relay attack tool, to scan for and capture the radio frequency signal emitted by your key fob. This can be done from outside your house, even if your keys are inside.
Step 2: Signal Relay – The captured signal is then relayed to a second device held by an accomplice near your car.
Step 3: Vehicle Access and Theft – The car is tricked into thinking the genuine key fob is nearby. This allows the thieves to unlock the doors, start the ignition, and drive away, all within a matter of 20 to 30 seconds.
This method exploits the technology intended for convenience, turning it into a vulnerability.
How Close Do Thieves Need to Be to Scan Your Car Keys?
Thieves don’t need to be right next to your keys. Keyless car theft can occur when they are within a few meters of your car keys. This range is enough for their devices to capture the signal. This is why simply keeping your keys inside your house might not be enough to prevent scanning.
Simple Steps to Protect Your Car Keys from Scanning
Fortunately, there are several effective and straightforward ways to protect your car keys from being scanned and prevent keyless car theft. Here are practical tips you can implement today:
1. Use a Faraday Bag or Signal Blocking Pouch
A Faraday bag, also known as a signal blocking pouch, is one of the most effective defenses against key scanning. These pouches are lined with metallic materials that block electromagnetic fields, preventing your key fob from transmitting its signal.
How it works: When you place your car keys inside a Faraday bag, it creates a barrier that stops thieves from intercepting the key’s signal.
Benefits:
- Highly effective: Reliably blocks key fob signals.
- Affordable: Faraday bags are relatively inexpensive, starting from around £5.
- Versatile: Can also block Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals from mobile phones.
Recommendation: Make it a habit to store your key fob in a Faraday bag whenever you are at home, especially at night. Ensure all sets of keys, including spares, are protected.
2. Disable Keyless Fob Wireless Signals
Some keyless fobs have a feature that allows you to manually turn off the wireless signal. This effectively prevents the fob from transmitting any signals that thieves can scan.
How to check: Consult your car’s owner manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer to see if your key fob has this capability and how to activate it.
Benefits:
- Direct signal prevention: Stops signal transmission at the source.
- No extra cost: Utilizes a built-in feature of your key fob.
Note: The process for disabling the signal varies by car model. Refer to your manual for specific instructions.
3. Employ Physical Security Measures: Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms
While technology is used in keyless theft, sometimes the best deterrents are physical. Steering wheel locks and car alarms add layers of security that can deter thieves.
Steering Wheel Locks: These mechanical devices physically lock the steering wheel, making it impossible to steer the car.
Benefits:
- Visual deterrent: Clearly visible, deterring thieves from even attempting to steal the car.
- Mechanical security: Requires physical tools to bypass, unlike electronic systems.
- Affordable: Relatively inexpensive to purchase.
Car Alarms: Audible alarms alert you and others to unauthorized entry or movement of your vehicle.
Benefits:
- Audible deterrent: Attracts attention and can scare off thieves.
- Insurance benefits: May reduce your car insurance premiums (check with your insurer).
Recommendation: Consider using a steering wheel lock, especially in high-risk areas, and ensure your car alarm is functioning correctly. Look for “Sold Secure” approved devices for tested and reliable security.
4. Park Strategically: Garage or Secure Location
Where you park your car can also play a role in preventing keyless theft.
Garage Parking: Parking your car in a garage overnight is ideal. It increases the distance and physical barriers between your car and potential thieves trying to scan your keys.
Defensive Driveway Parking: If you don’t have a garage, park on your driveway as close to your house as possible. This minimizes the accessibility for thieves to operate near your car.
Well-Lit Areas: If street parking is your only option, choose well-lit areas, preferably with public visibility.
Benefits:
- Increased distance: Reduces the likelihood of signal interception.
- Physical barrier: Garage walls act as a shield against scanning.
- Visibility: Well-lit and visible areas deter criminal activity.
5. VIN Etching on Windows
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching involves engraving your car’s VIN or registration number onto the windows and mirrors.
How it helps: Makes it harder for thieves to resell stolen vehicles or their parts. It acts as a deterrent because altering or removing etched windows is costly and time-consuming.
Benefits:
- Theft deterrent: Reduces the vehicle’s attractiveness to thieves.
- Identification aid: Helps in vehicle recovery if stolen.
6. Keep Your Car Tidy and Valuables Hidden
While not directly related to key scanning, keeping your car tidy and hiding valuables can reduce your risk of car theft in general.
Minimize Temptation: Don’t leave valuable items like phones, laptops, or GPS devices visible inside your car. Hide them in the glove compartment or trunk.
Empty Glove Box: Consider leaving your glove box open to show there’s nothing valuable inside, reducing the incentive for thieves to break in.
7. Secure Lost Car Keys Promptly
If you lose your car keys, act immediately.
Contact a Locksmith: Consult a certified auto locksmith. They can reprogram your car’s system to invalidate the lost keys and create new ones.
Benefits:
- Prevents unauthorized access: Ensures lost keys cannot be used to steal your car.
- Peace of mind: Reduces worry about potential theft from lost keys.
8. Reprogram Used Car Keys
When buying a used car, there’s always a chance previous owners might still have a set of keys.
Reprogram Keys: Have the car keys reprogrammed by an auto locksmith to ensure only your keys work with the vehicle.
Benefits:
- Enhanced security: Eliminates the risk of previous owners accessing your car.
- Peace of mind: Ensures you have full control over vehicle access.
Car Models at Risk of Keyless Car Theft
Any car equipped 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, has introduced security ratings for keyless entry cars based on their resistance to relay attacks. Some models have passed stringent tests and achieved “Superior” ratings, while others have “Poor” ratings.
Passed Models (Superior Security):
- Audi e-tron
- BMW 1 Series / 7 Series / 8 Series
- BMW X6 / X7
- Ford Puma
- Jaguar XE
- Land Rover Evoque
- Mercedes B-Class
- Porsche 911
- Porsche Macan
- Volkswagen Passat
Failed Models (Poor Security):
- DS3 Crossback
- Ford Mondeo
- Kia ProCeed
- Lexus UX
- Hyundai Nexo
- Mazda 3
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota RAV-4
- Volvo V60
Check Thatcham or ADAC (General German Automobile Club) reports for the latest security ratings of specific car models.
Keyless Car Theft FAQs
Q: Does putting car keys in a tin block the signal?
A: Yes, a metallic tin may block the signal, but it’s not always reliable. Test it to ensure signal blocking. Faraday bags are a more secure and consistent solution.
Q: Where should I keep my car keys at night?
A: Store your keys in a Faraday bag at night, away from doors and windows, for maximum protection against scanning.
Q: Will car insurance cover keyless car theft?
A: Most car insurance policies cover theft, including keyless theft. However, insurers may require proof that you have all sets of keys. Always check with your insurance provider.
Q: Are car manufacturers addressing keyless car theft?
A: Yes, some manufacturers are implementing measures like motion sensor key fobs (Ford, BMW, Audi, Mercedes) and providing Faraday bags (Kia) to mitigate relay theft risks.
Q: Are vans also at risk of keyless theft?
A: Yes, vans, particularly Ford Transits, are also susceptible to keyless theft.
Q: What is the future of relay theft prevention?
A: Car manufacturers are under pressure to enhance security. In the meantime, using Faraday pouches and other preventative measures remains crucial.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Car Key Security
Keyless car theft is a real threat, but by understanding how it works and implementing these protective measures, you can significantly reduce your risk. Protecting your car keys from being scanned is a proactive step towards safeguarding your vehicle. Utilize Faraday bags, consider physical security, and stay informed about the security features of your car. Taking these steps will help you stay one step ahead of thieves and enjoy the convenience of keyless entry with greater peace of mind.
For further advice or security upgrades, consult a certified car locksmith in your area.
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