Keyless car theft is proving a real problem across the UK. According to official ONS figures, around 89,000 vehicles were stolen in 2017, while Statista reports that this figure rose to 106,000 last year; presenting the highest car theft rates since 2012 and signifying an increase of over 48% in the past five years.
Recently, improved security systems have forced criminals to target older, lower value vehicles, since more modern cars now come outfitted with intricate alarm and immobiliser systems. However, the rise of keyless entry systems has provided thieves with a window of opportunity, as more organised criminals will use a relay transmitter and amplifier to trick vehicles into believing the keys are nearby. When that happens, the vehicle unlocks its doors and allows the thieves to simply drive it away in a matter of seconds.
Although keyless entry systems aren’t to blame for all these thefts, it’s certainly no coincidence that theft rates have risen so dramatically as this technology has become more popular. Of course, this is why so many motorists are searching for new ways to improve the security of their keyless vehicles. Fortunately, we’ve put together some beginner’s tips to help keep the thieves at bay:
Install a GPS Tracker
By installing a GPS car tracker, you won’t be doing anything to prevent your vehicle from actually being stolen. However, these handy little devices will significantly improve the chances of recovering it if you’re unlucky enough for it to get stolen, since they allow you to accurately trace the location of your vehicle in real-time.
A recent study carried out by Auto Express found that authorities recover less than half of all stolen vehicles, while recovery rates are as low as 12% in some parts of the country. The ability to pinpoint your car’s location will obviously make it much easier for the authorities to find, with modern devices now capable of sending you alerts as soon as your vehicle has been moved unexpectedly.
In fact, the more advanced CAT 5 car trackers include motion sensors, driver identification and remote immobilisation features, while also automatically issuing a police response in the event of a theft. When the authorities can issue such a rapid response, you should be reunited with your keyless vehicle in no time at all.
Turn Off the Signal
When stealing a keyless vehicle, thieves will use a relay amplifier to pick up your key’s signal from inside your house, then use a transmitter to send this signal to the targeted vehicle. However, by turning off your key’s signal when it’s not in use, you can prevent thieves from tricking your car into opening its doors and riding off into the sunset.
However, only some key fobs can actually be turned off, and each device is likely to function in different ways, so you’ll have to consult your manual to find out whether this is really possible.
Alternatively, authorities have recommended drivers wrap their keyless fob in tin foil, since this will block the amplifier’s signal. Although this is by no means an ideal solution—and can make it difficult to find your keys first thing in the morning—this is undoubtedly the least expensive method of improving your vehicle’s security.
Create Physical Barriers
Even in the age of keyless entry fobs and advanced digital technology, sometimes you just can’t go wrong with some good old-fashioned security measures. Besides, the technology behind keyless entry is what’s put your vehicle at risk in the first place, so it stands to reason you’d want to place your faith in something a little more physical.
To help combat keyless car theft, authorities are recommending drivers install steering wheel locks and wheel clamps, while you could even go as far as installing a parking post for your driveway. Of course, these security measures won’t prevent thieves from hacking the signal and opening your doors, but they should certainly stop them from driving away.
Whether you drive a keyless car or not, it’s always a good idea to park in well-lit areas and to remove all valuables from inside the vehicle, while parking in view of a CCTV camera will typically deter thieves from even attempting to steal your car.
