Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft, is a growing concern for vehicle owners. Understanding how it works and implementing Key Fob Protection measures is crucial to safeguarding your car. This article will explain keyless car theft, provide essential prevention tips, and answer frequently asked questions to help you protect your vehicle.
Understanding Keyless Car Theft (Relay Theft)
Keyless car theft, or relay theft, targets vehicles with keyless entry systems. Thieves exploit the technology by capturing and relaying the signal from your key fob to unlock and start your car without physically possessing the key.
How Relay Theft Works: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Signal Interception: A thief uses a device to capture the radio signal emitted by your key fob. This can be done from outside your home or any location where you keep your keys.
Step 2: Signal Relay: The captured signal is then relayed to a second thief standing near your car.
Step 3: Vehicle Deception: The relayed signal tricks your car into thinking the key fob is nearby. This allows the thieves to unlock the doors, start the engine, and drive away – all within seconds.
“Keyless car theft can take only 20-30 seconds”
Distance and Speed of Keyless Car Theft
Thieves only need to be within a few meters of your key fob to intercept its signal. This proximity allows them to operate quickly and discreetly. The entire theft process can be completed in as little as 20 to 30 seconds, making it a rapid and efficient crime.
Devices Used in Keyless Car Theft
Relay theft relies on specialized electronic devices that can capture, amplify, and re-transmit key fob signals. These devices, often referred to as relay boxes or signal amplifiers, are readily available and relatively easy to use, contributing to the rise in keyless car thefts.
Is Your Car at Risk? Keyless Entry Identification
To determine if your car is vulnerable to relay theft, you need to identify if it has a keyless entry system.
Keyless Entry System: If you can unlock and start your car without physically pressing buttons on your key fob, your vehicle likely has a keyless entry system and is at risk. These systems allow you to keep your key fob in your pocket or bag and start the car with a push of a button on the dashboard.
Non-Keyless Entry System: If you need to press a button on your key fob to unlock your car, your vehicle is not susceptible to relay theft.
For a comprehensive understanding of keyless entry systems, refer to guides explaining what keyless entry is.
Key Fob Protection: Practical Prevention Tips
Protecting your keyless entry car from relay theft requires proactive measures focused on key fob protection. Here are effective strategies to prevent keyless car theft:
1. Faraday Bags (Signal Blocking Pouches) for Key Fob Protection
Utilizing a signal blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday bag, is a highly effective method of key fob protection.
How Faraday Bags Work: Faraday bags are lined with metallic materials that block electromagnetic fields, preventing your key fob from transmitting its signal. By placing your key fob inside a Faraday bag, you effectively create a shield that stops thieves from intercepting the signal.
Practical Usage: Store your key fobs in Faraday bags when at home and anywhere your car is parked and vulnerable. Ensure all sets of keys, including spares, are protected. Keep protected key fobs away from doors and windows to further minimize risk.
Faraday bags are readily available and affordable. Explore guides on Faraday/Signal Blocking Pouches and reviews of the best signal blocking pouches for purchasing options.
2. Disable Keyless Fob Wireless Signals
Some keyless fobs offer the option to manually disable the wireless signal. This feature provides an extra layer of key fob protection.
Checking for Disabling Feature: Consult your car’s manual to determine if your key fob has a signal deactivation function. Manufacturers’ instructions often detail specific button combinations or procedures to turn off the wireless signal.
Contacting Manufacturer: If your manual doesn’t provide information, contact your vehicle manufacturer directly to inquire about disabling your key fob’s wireless signal.
Refer to guides on how to disable keyless car remotes and Wikihow instructions for protecting keyless car fobs for further assistance.
3. Physical Security Measures: Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms
Employing physical security devices like steering wheel locks and car alarms adds a robust layer of key fob protection and deters thieves.
Steering Wheel Locks: Steering wheel locks serve as a visible and physical deterrent. They prevent the steering wheel from being turned, making it significantly harder to steal your car, even if thieves bypass the keyless entry system.
Car Alarms: Car alarms, especially those with third-party approvals like Sold Secure, provide audible and visual alerts that deter thieves and can reduce insurance premiums.
Explore approved steering wheel locks and learn about the impact of car alarms on insurance.
4. Secure Parking Practices
Where you park your car plays a role in key fob protection.
Garage Parking: Parking your car in a garage is the most secure option, as it physically isolates your vehicle and increases the distance between your car and potential thieves attempting to intercept key fob signals.
Defensive Driveway Parking: If garage parking isn’t possible, park as close to your house as possible on your driveway. This minimizes accessibility for thieves and increases the risk of detection.
Well-Lit Areas: When parking on the street, choose well-lit areas. Increased visibility deters criminal activity.
5. VIN Etching
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching offers a unique form of key fob protection by making your car less attractive to thieves.
How VIN Etching Works: Etching your VIN or registration number onto windows and mirrors makes it difficult for thieves to resell stolen parts or the entire vehicle. This acts as a deterrent and aids in vehicle recovery.
Learn more about the benefits of VIN etching.
6. Maintain Vehicle Tidiness
Keeping your car tidy and removing valuables is a simple yet effective theft prevention measure.
Reducing Temptation: Hiding or removing valuable items like electronic devices (GPS, phones) and their mounting accessories reduces the temptation for thieves. Emptying and leaving the glove box open can also signal that there are no valuables inside.
7. Secure Lost Car Keys
Properly managing lost car keys is crucial for ongoing key fob protection.
Reprogramming After Loss: If you lose your car keys, immediately contact a certified auto locksmith. They can reprogram your car’s system to ensure the lost keys are deactivated and cannot be used to steal your vehicle.
Find guidance on reprogramming car keys and replacing lost car keys.
8. Reprogram Second-Hand Car Keys
When purchasing a second-hand vehicle, reprogramming the keys is a vital step for key fob protection.
Preventing Unauthorized Access: Reprogramming ensures that any keys from previous owners are deactivated, preventing potential unauthorized access to your vehicle.
Consider hiring an auto locksmith for cost-effective key reprogramming services compared to dealership prices.
Car Models at Risk of Keyless Car Theft
Any vehicle equipped with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to relay theft. Popular models have been identified as targets.
High-Risk Models: Common cars like Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Focus are frequently targeted due to their popularity and prevalence of keyless entry systems.
Refer to reports from sources like the BBC on cars at risk of keyless theft and the ADAC keyless car testing results for detailed lists of affected models.
Keyless Entry Car Security Ratings
Thatcham Research, a UK automotive research center, introduced security ratings for keyless entry cars based on their resistance to relay theft.
Vehicles Passing Security Tests: Models like Audi e-tron, BMW 1, 7, 8 Series, BMW X6, X7, Ford Puma, Jaguar XE, Land Rover Evoque, Mercedes B-Class, Porsche 911, Porsche Macan, and Volkswagen Passat have passed Thatcham’s tests and received “Superior” security ratings.
Vehicles Failing Security Tests: Models including DS3 Crossback, Ford Mondeo, Kia ProCeed, Lexus UX, Hyundai Nexo, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV-4, and Volvo V60 have failed and received “Poor” security ratings.
Keyless Car Theft: Frequently Asked Questions
Do metal tins block key fob signals?
Storing your key fob in a metal tin may offer some signal blocking, but it’s not a guaranteed solution. Metal containers can potentially disrupt signals, but effectiveness varies. Testing is recommended to ensure signal blockage. For reliable key fob protection, Faraday bags are the recommended solution.
Best place to keep car keys at night for key fob protection?
For optimal key fob protection at night, store your key fob in a Faraday bag and place it as far away from doors and windows as possible within your home. This minimizes the risk of signal interception.
Will car insurance cover keyless car theft?
Most car insurance policies generally cover theft, including keyless car theft. However, insurers may require proof that you possess all sets of keys. Always verify your specific policy details with your insurance provider to understand your coverage in case of keyless car theft.
Are car manufacturers addressing keyless car theft?
Yes, many car manufacturers are actively implementing measures to combat keyless car theft.
Manufacturer Solutions:
- Faraday bags: Kia provides Faraday bags to customers for key fob protection.
- Motion sensor key fobs: Ford (Focus, Fiesta, Puma), BMW, Audi, and Mercedes have introduced motion sensor fobs that enter sleep mode after inactivity, preventing signal relay when not in use.
Are vans also vulnerable to keyless theft?
Yes, vans are also susceptible to keyless theft. Ford Transit vans have been particularly targeted. Key fob protection measures are equally important for van owners.
What is the future of relay theft prevention?
Efforts to combat relay theft are ongoing. Car manufacturers are developing more secure keyless systems, and law enforcement is working to address this crime. Consumer awareness and proactive key fob protection remain crucial in mitigating the risk.
Learn about ongoing efforts to combat vehicle theft and demand for action from car manufacturers by organizations like the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.
Questions About Keyless Car Theft?
If you have concerns or questions about keyless car theft and key fob protection, contact us or consult with a certified auto locksmith in your area for expert advice and tailored security solutions.
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