Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft, is a growing concern for vehicle owners. Understanding what keyless car theft is and learning how to prevent your keyless entry car from being stolen is crucial in today’s world. Are you driving a keyless entry car and wondering if it’s at risk? This article will explain keyless car theft (relay theft), a crime that’s unfortunately on the rise, and provide actionable steps to protect your key fob signal and secure your vehicle.
Understanding Keyless Car Theft: Relay Theft Explained
Keyless car theft, often referred to as relay theft or relay crime, exploits the technology behind keyless entry systems. Thieves use readily available devices to capture and amplify the signal emitted by your key fob, even when it’s inside your home.
How Relay Theft Works: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Signal Interception: A thief, positioned near your house, uses a device to scan for and capture the radio frequency signal emitted by your key fob.
Step 2: Signal Relay and Vehicle Access: This captured signal is then relayed to a second thief standing near your car. The car is tricked into thinking the legitimate key fob is nearby, unlocking the doors and enabling the ignition.
This entire process, from signal capture to vehicle access, can happen incredibly quickly. “Keyless car theft can take only 20-30 seconds,” making it a swift and efficient method for criminals.
Cars equipped with keyless entry systems are particularly vulnerable to relay theft. The proximity needed for thieves to capture your key signal is surprisingly short. They only need to be within a few meters of your keys. But don’t worry, we will explain how you can effectively stop thieves from capturing your car key signal and Protect Key Fob Signal in the following sections.
How Quickly Can Keyless Car Theft Occur?
As mentioned earlier, keyless car theft is alarmingly fast. The entire process, from intercepting the signal to driving away in your vehicle, can be executed in a mere 20-30 seconds. This speed is what makes relay theft such a successful and concerning method for car thieves.
Devices Used in Keyless Car Theft: Relay Attack Tools
Relay crime relies on specialized electronic equipment designed to exploit the convenience of keyless entry systems. These devices, often called “relay attack tools,” work by capturing the low-frequency radio signals emitted by your key fob. The equipment typically consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter amplifies the captured signal and sends it to the receiver, which is held near the target vehicle.
Is Your Car Keyless Entry? Identifying Vulnerable Systems
It’s essential to determine if your vehicle has a keyless entry system and is therefore at risk of relay theft. A simple way to check is to consider how you normally enter and start your car.
Your car is NOT at risk of relay theft if:
- You need to physically press a button on your key fob to unlock your car.
Your car IS likely to have a keyless entry system and be at risk if:
- You can unlock and start your car without pressing any buttons on your key fob, as long as the fob is nearby (e.g., in your pocket or bag).
- You can start your car by pressing a button on the dashboard, without inserting a key into the ignition.
Keyless entry systems are designed for convenience, allowing drivers to unlock and start their vehicles without physically using a key. However, this convenience also introduces a security vulnerability that relay theft exploits. For a deeper understanding of these systems, explore a full guide to what keyless entry is.
Top Tips to Prevent Keyless Car Theft and Protect Key Fob Signal
Protecting your keyless entry car from relay theft requires adopting proactive security measures. Here are effective strategies to prevent keyless car theft and protect your key fob signal:
1. Faraday Bag or Signal Blocking Pouch: Your First Line of Defense
Car key burglaries are unfortunately a growing trend, making it more important than ever to secure your car keys. If you own a keyless entry car, the most crucial step is to keep your keys well away from doors and windows inside your home.
The most effective method to protect your key fob signal is to use a signal blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday bag or Faraday pouch. These pouches are designed with a metallic lining that blocks electromagnetic fields, preventing your key fob from transmitting its signal.
Fact: Signal Blocking pouches are also known as Faraday Bags or Pouches.
Why a Faraday Bag is Essential to Protect Key Fob Signal
A Signal blocking pouch is a simple yet highly effective way to protect your keys and prevent relay theft. Image provided by Solon Security.
Signal Blocking pouches work by creating a barrier that stops thieves from intercepting your key fob’s signal. As John Mutch Locksmith explains, “The pouch which has a metallic lining…prevents signals from the remote key fob being intercepted by unwanted individuals.”
Cost-Effective Security: These pouches are surprisingly cheap to purchase, often available for as little as £5. They are a small investment that provides significant protection against keyless car theft. Additionally, Faraday bags can also block WI-FI and Bluetooth signals from mobile phones, adding another layer of digital security.
For further information, refer to these guides on Faraday pouches: Faraday/Signal Blocking Pouch Guide and Best Signal Blocking Pouches Guide.
2. Disable Keyless Fob Wireless Signal: When Possible
Some keyless fobs offer the option to turn off their wireless signal, providing an extra layer of security. Check your car’s manual to see if this feature is available for your key fob.
If your manual doesn’t provide instructions, contact your vehicle manufacturer to inquire about disabling the wireless signal. This simple step can significantly protect key fob signal when you are at home or in a secure location. Wikihow offers a guide to turning off fobs for more general advice.
3. Physical Security Measures: Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms
Combining electronic security with physical deterrents is a strong strategy. Steering wheel locks and car alarms are effective mechanical devices to deter thieves.
Modern car thieves often rely on technology like laptops, making mechanical security devices like steering wheel locks a surprisingly effective deterrent.
A Steering Wheel Lock is a visible deterrent and a physical barrier against keyless car theft.
When choosing a security device, look for products with 3rd party approval, such as Sold Secure. Sold Secure tests products against tools commonly used by criminals, ensuring they meet robust security standards. Find an approved steering wheel lock here.
Car Alarms and Insurance Benefits
If your car doesn’t have a factory-fitted alarm, installing an approved car alarm can potentially reduce your car insurance premiums. Always verify with your insurer that the alarm system is approved, as alarm quality can vary. Furthermore, installing a professionally fitted immobilizer is often the most cost-effective way to lower your insurance costs. Learn more about the impact of car alarms on insurance.
4. Secure Parking: Garage or Defensive Driveway Parking
Where you park your car can also play a role in preventing keyless car theft. Parking in a garage overnight is the ideal solution, as it significantly increases the distance between your car and potential thieves attempting to intercept your key fob signal.
If you don’t have a garage, park defensively on your driveway. Park as close to your house as possible to maximize the distance between your car and the street, making it harder for thieves to operate relay theft devices.
Enhance Home Security for Added Protection
Consider upgrading your overall home security to further deter car theft. Installing outdoor motion detector lighting and CCTV cameras can create a less appealing environment for thieves. If street parking is your only option, choose well-lit areas. Consult a local MLA master locksmith for a home security check and advice on upgrading your outdoor security. Explore 18 Home Security Tips and Outdoor Security Advice for more ideas.
5. VIN Etching: Making Your Car Less Desirable to Thieves
VIN etching, or Vehicle Identification Number etching, involves permanently marking your car’s windows, headlights, and mirrors with the last seven digits of your VIN or your registration number. 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. Learn if VIN etching is worth it.
6. Keep Your Car Tidy: Deterring Opportunistic Theft
While not directly related to keyless theft, maintaining a tidy car interior helps prevent opportunistic theft of valuables left inside. Keep your car free of clutter and hide electronic devices such as GPS units and mobile phones. Consider leaving your glove box open to show it’s empty and remove suction cup marks from your windshield that indicate GPS use.
7. Secure Lost Car Keys: Prevent Stolen Key Access
If you have lost your car keys, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Contact a local MLA auto locksmith to reprogram your car’s system, ensuring that the lost key can no longer be used to access or start your vehicle. This prevents thieves who find or steal lost keys from using them. Reprogramming removes the lost key from your vehicle’s database, effectively neutralizing it. Get car keys reprogrammed and learn the best way to replace lost car keys.
8. Reprogram Second-hand Car Keys: Eliminate Previous Owner Risks
If you purchase a second-hand vehicle, there’s always a chance that not all sets of keys were handed over by the previous owner. To eliminate this risk and protect key fob signal security, it’s advisable to reprogram your car keys. This ensures that only your current keys are recognized by the vehicle, preventing any previous owners from potentially accessing your car.
Reprogramming your car keys is a proactive measure to protect key fob signal and prevent unauthorized access, especially when buying a used car.
Warning: Car key programming costs can vary, and manufacturer services can be expensive. Consider hiring an auto locksmith for a potentially more affordable option.
Car Models at Risk of Keyless Car Theft: Widespread Vulnerability
Unfortunately, any car with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to relay crime. Popular models like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Focus are all known to be at risk. The BBC reported on this widespread vulnerability in their article, Hundreds of popular cars ‘at risk of keyless theft, highlighting research analyzing data on keyless “relay” attacks. View a list of keyless cars tested by the General German Automobile Club (ADAC), which found that out of 237 tested keyless cars, 230 could be unlocked and started using relay crime techniques.
Keyless Entry Car Security Ratings: Thatcham Testing
In 2019, Thatcham, a UK automotive research center, introduced a security rating system for keyless entry cars, specifically evaluating their resistance to relay theft. Here are the results of their testing:
Keyless Car Models That Passed Relay Theft Tests (Superior Security)
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 Car Models That Failed Relay Theft Tests (Poor Security)
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 FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns
Does putting car keys in a tin block the signal?
Storing your car key fob in a metallic tin MAY offer some level of signal blocking and help protect key fob signal. A metallic container can potentially disrupt the signal, hindering thieves attempting to relay it. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the tin’s material and construction.
Testing is Recommended: If you choose to use a metallic tin, test its effectiveness by placing your key fob inside, walking to your car, and trying to unlock it. If the car doesn’t unlock, the tin is likely providing some signal blocking.
Faraday Pouch is the Most Secure: For reliable and consistent signal blocking to protect key fob signal, a dedicated signal blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) is the recommended solution.
Where should I keep my car keys at night to protect key fob signal?
To prevent keyless car theft and protect key fob signal overnight, especially if you have a keyless entry car, follow these best practices:
- Use a Faraday Pouch: Store your car key fob inside a signal blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) every night.
- Distance from Entry Points: Place your keys far away from exterior doors and windows. The further away your keys are, the harder it is for thieves to capture the signal.
Will My Car Insurance Cover Keyless Car Theft?
Car theft payouts reached record highs in 2019, and relay crime is suspected to be a contributing factor. Most car insurance policies generally cover theft, including instances of keyless car theft. However, insurance providers may require proof that you still possess all sets of keys for the stolen vehicle. Always verify your specific coverage details with your car insurance provider to understand your policy’s terms and conditions regarding keyless car theft.
Are Car Manufacturers Taking Action Against Keyless Car Theft?
Yes, some car manufacturers are actively implementing preventative measures to combat keyless car theft and protect key fob signal.
- Kia: Kia provides its own Faraday bag with some models to help owners block the key fob signal.
- Ford, BMW, Audi, Mercedes: These manufacturers have introduced Motion Sensor Key Fobs in certain models like Ford Focus, Fiesta, BMW, Audi & Mercedes. Motion sensor key fobs enter a sleep mode after approximately 40 seconds of inactivity. This sleep mode prevents criminals from capturing the signal when the fob is stationary, significantly enhancing security.
Are Vans Also Vulnerable to Keyless Theft?
Yes, vans are also at risk of keyless theft. In 2018, a rise in keyless van thefts was reported. Ford Transits were identified as a particularly targeted van model. Van owners should also take precautions to protect key fob signal and secure their vehicles against relay theft.
What is the Future of Relay Theft Prevention?
Combating relay theft requires ongoing efforts from law enforcement, car manufacturers, and vehicle owners. Our Managing Director Steffan George met with West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson to advocate for stronger action from car manufacturers to address vehicle thefts.
Proactive Measures are Key: Until more advanced security measures become standard, storing your car key fob in a Faraday pouch remains a highly recommended and simple preventative measure to protect your car from relay theft and protect key fob signal.
Questions About Keyless Car Theft?
If you have concerns about keyless car theft and how to protect key fob signal, please contact us or consult with a MLA licensed car locksmith in your area for expert advice.
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