How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen

Modern vehicles that are keyless are an ideal target for thieves. The good news is that there are simple ways to deter thieves that can aid.

Relay theft is a novel method used by thieves who are tech-savvy. Two thieves collaborate to gain access to the vehicle. They make use of a device to detect the signal from your key fob, then transmit it to the vehicle.

Keyless Car Theft

Owning a keyless car stolen car is like stepping into the future, but it could also make your ride an easy to be a target for thieves. Criminals quickly learn to exploit new technologies. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your car from being stolen without forcing entry.

In the past, thieves looking to steal a car would have to either obtain a key or hotwire it. Now, they can use sophisticated technology to hack cars that are not keyed and start them up. 92% of the vehicles found by UK car stolen with keys security firm Tracker in 2019 were stolen in this manner.

To make the most of this technology, criminals make use of electronic signal relay devices what to do if car keys are stolen sabotage the signal that is transmitted from the key fob of a car's ignition. These devices can be bought on the internet for as little as PS80. The devices are able to transmit the same signal to nearby vehicles and make them unlock and turning on the devices.

Once the car has been opened, the criminal is able to leave without leaving a trace. Keyless car theft has risen as a result. In the US the theft of cars that are keyless could account for as much as 70% of all car thefts. This can lead to an increase in insurance costs.

Although specific information about keyless car theft is difficult to come by It's safe to conclude that cars equipped with push-to-start ignition systems are more likely to be targeted than cars that require keys to be physically entered into the ignition. Other factors that could affect the vulnerability of a car include its popularity with thieves as well as its model and brand and security protocols.

Despite the efforts of manufacturers to close these loopholes, certain keyless vehicles are more vulnerable to attack than others. A study conducted by Thatcham Research in 2020 assessed the degree of resistance a variety of models were to theft through keyless entry and gave them Poor, Basic and Superior ratings based on their ability to resist the technique. It is important to take extra care when your car has keyless start or entry features.

How It Happens

As cars become more advanced as they have advanced, thieves have been experimenting with methods to break into them. This includes stealing keyless cars by using technology that intercepts signals, or "hacks" the fob to unlock and start the car. The risk is higher for high-end cars that are recently manufactured. The latest figures from the Home Office show that keyless entry accounts for around half of all vehicle thefts in England. It is interesting to note that older models that use a proximity key, but do not include a button to start the car are also frequent targets for thieves.

The introduction of keyless ignition and remote locking systems has allowed thieves to gain entry into your vehicle from the distance. Thieves have invented devices that are able to pick up a signal from the car's key fob, amplify it and then transmit it to an emulatorin essence, fake car keys. This device then replicates the signal of your car key, allowing it to unlock and even start your car.

The CBC reports that this type of hacking is increasing, with thieves capable of gaining access to cars and take them for themselves within less than 20 seconds. This is because keyless system do not require that the driver has their fob in hand or pocket.

Two years ago, in Toronto, a man found his Toyota RAV4 ripped apart and its headlight smashed off not only once, but twice within three months. He realized that this wasn't just vandalism, but a part of a sophisticated scheme to steal keyless vehicles.

The thieves are known as "relay attackers," and they work in groups. One person has a relay amplifier, while the other holds a device that picks the remote control signal, and transmit it back to the amplified device. This trick can fool your car into thinking your key fob is nearby and allow it to open the doors and start driving away.

Some drivers are installing security systems from the aftermarket to protect themselves however the best way to protect yourself is to keep your key fob inside a metal container or pouch that blocks signals, such as a Faraday pouch. These are available online at a reasonable price.

Deterrents

Modern thieves use sophisticated devices to intercept the signals sent by key fobs. If they have this, they can copy it to unlock the car, and then start the engine. The best way to deter thieves is to make sure that the key fob will not remain within the reach of the vehicle when it is parked, and preferably in the garage. You can also store the key in a metal container or Faraday pouch to prevent its signal from being detected. You might also consider a tracking device which although it can't stop the vehicle from being stolen, it can assist in tracking it down later.

One of the most threatening kinds of keyless car theft is the so-called relay attack, where two thieves work together to steal a car from your home. The thieves use an electronic transmitter to receive the signal of the car owner's digital key fob. They then send it to a different device that is either positioned inside the vehicle or right next to it. This tricked the car into 'thinking' that the owner has hit the lock button, and has unlocked the door. The thief drives off in the vehicle.

While some experts recommend installing expensive security systems to stop this type of crime, these are not always effective and can be easily defeated by criminals equipped with the right equipment and know-how. The best option is to invest in deterrents that will make the job of stealing your vehicle more difficult for thieves, such as a steering wheel lock which makes it very difficult to steal your car.

Install motion detection lights around your garage and home to deter thieves. You can also install CCTV cameras that will capture criminals in the act. Another effective and simple deterrent is to park your car in a well-lit, visible area. This will dissuade thieves who are more likely be opportunists than targeted thieves from trying to steal your car.

Think about buying a keyless lock that only the owner of the vehicle knows the security code. This system is only on certain models that are newer and requires a professional installation. However, it can be worth the cost since it makes your vehicle less attractive to thieves.

Prevention

As the number of thefts involving keys in cars increases increasing, it is crucial for car owners to implement effective prevention strategies. These may include storing smart keys in the Faraday pouch or box when not in use. These items are lined with metal to stop radio signals from reaching them and to prevent thieves from intercepting or copying their signals. Additionally, installing a lock for the steering wheel or an immobilizer can serve as an effective deterrent, as well as physically stopping the steering wheel from turning, or the engine from running, should a criminal be successful in gaining access to the keyless entry system.

Another strategy involves parking the car in a secured area away from windows and doors. This can make thieves think twice, making it difficult for them to identify the car's owner. Inscribing the VIN on headlights and windows can also be a deterrent as it makes it difficult to duplicate stolen vehicles.

Dealerships can assist in preventing theft of cars with keys by implementing strict security measures. In addition to perimeter fencing and a separate car storage area, dealerships should offer employees training on the importance of vigilance as well as applying best practices for key inventory and handling vehicles. Additionally, dealerships should regularly check their inventory to identify any discrepancies.

In certain instances, thieves attempt to evade built-in security measures with an electronic device that connects into the vehicle computer. These devices are usually plugged into the diagnostic port which is typically located in the front footwell of many cars. The thieves can program an unprogrammed remote to start the car without the owner's permission.

There are a few steps that you can take to lessen the risk of being a victim of a keyless car theft. You can deter criminals from gaining access to your car's computer using an antenna that is shielded and remove or hide any electronic components inside the vehicle, and store the key fob in the Faraday pouch or box. You can also install a GPS tracker or immobilizer to improve the chances of locating your vehicle if it is deactivate stolen car key fob, and help law enforcement catch the culprits. Contact an auto electric specialist to discover which preventative measures are best for your vehicle and you.