The warning comes as over the past 12 months, between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of cars stolen were keyless models
Drivers are being given an urgent warning to stay vigilant. It has been revealed that between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of vehicles nicked over the past year were keyless models. This comes amid a staggering +5000% increase in online searches for ‘how to stop keyless car theft’ in just the last three months.
Under newly enacted legislation, crooks caught with devices such as signal jammers could face up to five years in jail. The Crime and Policing Bill has made it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute electronic gadgets designed for theft, yet incidents of keyless vehicle theft continue to rise.
Mike Thompson, COO at Leasing Options, is pressing drivers to comprehend the workings of keyless car entry and how they can safeguard their vehicles. In addition to furnishing advice on overall vehicle security, he has highlighted three methods to keep cars secure.
In detailing how thieves target keyless cars, he explained: “When criminals are trying to steal a keyless car, they use sophisticated technology, which involves manipulating short-range radio waves, to transmit a signal from your key to the technology in your car. This can be done in a matter of seconds and means criminals can open your car door as normal, allowing them to enter and start the vehicle as normal.”
He also pointed out that there can be challenges for these criminals: “It is worth noting that sometimes this can fail, if there is no signal or if it is blocked for whatever reason, criminals can find a hard time entering. Depending on the car make and model, the car might also require a physical key to be inserted into the ignition to start it.”
Drivers have been given expert advice by Mike on how to avoid becoming victims of keyless car theft, with several practical steps to enhance security, reports Yorkshire Live.
1. Store your fob safely
Mike advises: “When you are at home, try to store your key away from doors or windows. If you usually store your key in a bowl or on a hook near the front door, consider moving this upstairs to your bedroom. One of the best ways to store a keyless fob is in a Faraday pouch, a specialised bag designed to block electronic signals. These can typically be found online for less than £10 and come in a variety of sizes and styles.”
2. Turn off wireless signals
He also suggests: “If you rarely use your keyless features, some keys allow you to turn off the wireless technology. Before you do this, however, it might be worth practising without it for a few days to see if it is something you can truly live without. The keyless feature can also be difficult to reactivate in the future.”
3. Consider additional safety features
To keep your car safe from theft, it’s important to take proactive steps such as consistently locking your vehicle, securing your keys, and utilising physical deterrents. You might want to think about installing a steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, or car alarm for added protection. Additionally, parking in well-lit spaces and ensuring that valuables are not left in plain sight can also be beneficial.
Mike recommends traditional car safety measures. “Investing in a steering wheel lock is a common method for preventing car theft. They act as a physical deterrent to discourage car theft by making it more difficult to drive the car away. Since it is a visible feature, it is more likely to deter opportunistic thieves. Steering wheel locks also come in a variety of shapes to fit different types of cars.”
He further explained: “Devices like AirTags can help you track your vehicle should the worst happen and your car is stolen. A good place to hide them is in the lining of the back seats, as criminals are unlikely to check for any types of goods.
“Residential parking posts are an ideal solution to ensuring nobody can get your vehicle off the driveway. They offer several benefits, including enhanced security by deterring theft and ram-raiding. They can also prevent unauthorised parking and potentially lower insurance premiums.”
Mike concluded: “As vehicle technology has continued to evolve, keyless theft is now one of the biggest risks to car owners. Despite this, there are practical steps drivers can take to reduce their risk. While the idea of keyless car theft might be scary, very few people in the country have had their cars stolen, and the police are taking more precautions to prevent it.”