Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft or relay crime, is a growing concern for car owners. This sophisticated method allows thieves to exploit the technology of keyless entry systems, potentially making off with your vehicle in mere seconds. Understanding how this type of theft works and, more importantly, how to Protect Car Keys From Scanning is crucial in today’s automotive security landscape.
Understanding Keyless Car Theft: How Scanning Works
Keyless car theft targets vehicles equipped with keyless entry systems. These systems are designed for convenience, allowing you to unlock and start your car without physically using a key. Instead, your car key fob emits a short-range radio signal that the car detects when you are nearby. However, this convenience comes with a vulnerability.
Thieves use electronic devices to amplify and relay this signal, even if your actual key fob is safely inside your home.
Step 1: Signal Amplification – A thief with a relay device stands near your house, attempting to detect and amplify the signal emitted by your key fob.
Step 2: Signal Relay – The amplified signal is then relayed to a second thief positioned near your car.
Step 3: Vehicle Deception – Your car is tricked into thinking the key fob is in close proximity, unlocking the doors and enabling the ignition.
Cars with keyless entry systems are particularly vulnerable to relay theft, highlighting the importance of measures to protect car keys from scanning. This type of theft can occur rapidly, often in under 30 seconds.
Is Your Car at Risk? Keyless Entry Identification
To effectively protect car keys from scanning, it’s essential to know if your car has a keyless entry system. If you need to press a button on your key fob to unlock your car, your vehicle is not vulnerable to this specific type of “relay” attack. Keyless entry systems, in contrast, allow you to open and start your car while the key fob remains in your pocket or bag. Once inside, starting the engine usually involves pressing a button.
Top Methods to Protect Car Keys from Scanning and Prevent Keyless Car Theft
Fortunately, there are several effective strategies you can implement to protect car keys from scanning and significantly reduce the risk of keyless car theft.
1. Faraday Bags: Your First Line of Defense to Protect Car Keys from Scanning
A Faraday bag, also known as a signal blocking pouch, is a highly effective tool to protect car keys from scanning. These pouches are lined with metallic materials designed to block electromagnetic fields, including the radio frequencies emitted by your key fob.
Using a Faraday bag effectively isolates your key fob, preventing thieves from intercepting its signal and using it to unlock and steal your car. These pouches are readily available and relatively inexpensive, starting from around £5, making them an accessible security measure for most car owners. Beyond car keys, Faraday bags can also block Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, offering broader digital security.
2. Disable Keyless Fob Wireless Signals
Some keyless fobs offer the option to manually disable their wireless signal. This feature, if available on your key fob, provides a straightforward way to protect car keys from scanning when keyless entry convenience is not needed, such as overnight or when you are at home.
Consult your car’s manual for instructions on how to deactivate your key fob’s signal. If the manual doesn’t provide this information, contacting your car manufacturer directly is advisable. Disabling the signal ensures that even if thieves attempt to scan for a signal, none will be emitted, thus preventing relay theft.
3. Mechanical Security: Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms
While keyless car theft relies on electronic methods, physical security measures like steering wheel locks and car alarms remain potent deterrents. Steering wheel locks present a visible and physical barrier, making it significantly harder for thieves to steal your car, regardless of whether they can bypass the keyless system.
Car alarms, especially those with enhanced features, can also deter thieves and alert you and others to potential theft attempts. When choosing security devices, look for products with third-party approvals like Sold Secure, which indicates rigorous testing against criminal tools. Furthermore, installing an aftermarket car alarm might reduce your car insurance premiums; consult your insurer for approved alarm systems. For even greater security, consider a professionally installed immobilizer.
4. Secure Parking Practices
Where you park your car plays a role in how easy it is for thieves to attempt keyless car theft. Parking in a garage overnight is an excellent way to protect car keys from scanning indirectly, as it increases the distance and physical barriers between your car and potential thieves trying to intercept key fob signals.
If garage parking isn’t possible, park defensively. When parking on a driveway, position your car as close to your house as possible. For street parking, choose well-lit areas, ideally under public surveillance. Enhancing your home security with outdoor motion sensor lighting and CCTV cameras can also deter potential thieves.
5. VIN Etching for Vehicle Identity Protection
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etching involves permanently marking your car’s windows and sometimes headlights and mirrors with the last seven digits of your VIN or your registration number. This measure doesn’t directly protect car keys from scanning, but it acts as a deterrent against theft and makes your car less attractive to steal.
Etching makes it significantly harder for thieves to resell stolen vehicles or their parts, as altering the VIN across multiple car components is complex and risky. While it won’t prevent the initial theft attempt, VIN etching increases the chances of recovery and reduces the likelihood of your car being targeted in the first place.
6. Maintain a Tidy Vehicle Interior
Keeping your car’s interior tidy might seem unrelated to protecting car keys from scanning, but it’s a simple yet effective way to reduce your car’s appeal to thieves in general. Avoid leaving valuables, such as electronic devices (GPS units, phones), in plain sight. Similarly, hide any signs of expensive equipment, like suction cup marks from GPS devices on the windshield.
An empty and open glove compartment can also signal to potential thieves that there are no valuables hidden inside, making your car less of a target. While not a direct method to combat keyless theft, a tidy car reduces overall theft risk.
7. Secure Lost Car Keys
Losing your car keys presents a security risk beyond just the inconvenience of replacement. If your keys are stolen, they could be used to access and steal your car, even if you implement measures to protect car keys from scanning at home.
If you lose your car keys or suspect they have been stolen, immediately contact a certified auto locksmith. A locksmith can reprogram your car’s system to recognize only your new keys, effectively rendering any lost or stolen keys useless. This step is crucial in preventing unauthorized access to your vehicle.
8. Reprogram Used Car Keys
When purchasing a used vehicle, there’s always a chance that not all sets of keys are provided. Previous owners might still possess keys that could be used to access your car. To mitigate this risk, especially in the context of keyless entry systems, consider reprogramming the car keys.
Reprogramming ensures that only the keys in your possession will work with your vehicle, effectively protecting against unauthorized access from old keys. While reprogramming costs vary and can be expensive at dealerships, auto locksmiths often offer more cost-effective services.
Car Models at Risk of Keyless Car Theft
Any vehicle 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 being at risk. Studies by organizations like the General German Automobile Club (ADAC) have demonstrated that a significant majority of keyless cars tested were susceptible to relay attacks.
However, some newer models and manufacturers are implementing countermeasures. Thatcham Research, for instance, introduced a security rating system for keyless entry cars, highlighting models that have passed relay attack tests and achieved “superior” security ratings. Models like the Audi e-tron, BMW series (1, 7, 8, X6, X7), Ford Puma, and Porsche 911 have been recognized for superior security against relay theft. Conversely, models like DS3 Crossback, Ford Mondeo, and Toyota Corolla received “poor” ratings.
Keyless Car Theft FAQs: Protecting Your Keys and Vehicle
Does putting car keys in a tin block the signal to protect car keys from scanning?
Yes, storing your key fob in a metal tin can potentially block the signal and help protect car keys from scanning. Metal acts as a Faraday cage, blocking electromagnetic fields. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the tin’s material and construction. Testing the tin’s blocking capability is recommended to ensure reliability. For guaranteed signal blocking, a purpose-made Faraday bag is a more reliable option.
Where should I keep my car keys at night to protect car keys from scanning?
The best practice to protect car keys from scanning overnight is to store them in a Faraday bag. Additionally, keep your keys as far away from exterior doors and windows as possible to maximize the distance between your key fob and potential thieves.
Will car insurance cover keyless car theft?
Most comprehensive car insurance policies should cover theft, including keyless car theft. However, insurers may require proof that you possess all sets of keys for the vehicle. It’s essential to verify the specifics of your policy with your insurance provider to understand your coverage in case of keyless car theft.
Are car manufacturers taking action to prevent keyless car theft and better protect car keys from scanning?
Yes, car manufacturers are increasingly implementing preventative measures. Some, like Kia, are providing Faraday bags to customers. Others, including Ford, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, have introduced motion sensor key fobs. These “sleeping key fobs” deactivate after a period of inactivity, preventing signal relay until motion is detected again, offering enhanced protection to protect car keys from scanning.
Are vans also at risk of keyless theft?
Yes, vans are also vulnerable to keyless theft. Reports indicate a rise in keyless van thefts, with popular models like Ford Transit being targeted. Van owners should also take precautions to protect car keys from scanning and secure their vehicles.
What is the future of relay theft and efforts to protect car keys from scanning?
Efforts to combat relay theft are ongoing. Law enforcement agencies are collaborating with car manufacturers to push for enhanced vehicle security standards. Meanwhile, for car owners, the immediate future involves staying informed about keyless theft risks and adopting available preventative measures, primarily focusing on how to effectively protect car keys from scanning using Faraday bags and other security practices.
Questions About Keyless Car Theft?
If you have further concerns about keyless car theft and how to best protect car keys from scanning, consider contacting a certified car locksmith for expert advice and tailored security solutions.
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