Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft or relay crime, is a growing concern for vehicle owners. Learn what keyless car theft is and, more importantly, how to prevent car thieves scanner devices from targeting your keyless entry car. Understand if your car is vulnerable to keyless entry theft and which car models are most at risk as this type of crime continues to rise.
Understanding Keyless Car Theft
How Keyless Car Theft Works
Is Your Car at Risk?
Effective Methods to Stop Car Thieves Scanner
Keyless Car Theft FAQs
Understanding Keyless Car Theft
Keyless car theft, frequently referred to as relay theft or relay crime, occurs when criminals exploit the technology of keyless entry systems. Using a device, thieves can capture the signal emitted by your car key fob, even from outside your home. This method bypasses traditional security measures, making it crucial to understand How To Stop Car Thieves Scanner technology.
How Keyless Car Theft Works
To effectively stop car thieves scanner, it’s essential to know their method of operation. Keyless car theft typically unfolds in a two-step process:
Step 1: Signal Interception – A thief, positioned near your house or where you keep your keys, uses a scanner for car theft. This device amplifies and transmits your key fob’s signal.
Step 2: Relay and Vehicle Access – The amplified signal is relayed to a second thief standing by your car. This relayed signal tricks your car into believing the key is nearby, allowing the doors to unlock and the ignition to start.
“Keyless car theft can take as little as 20-30 seconds, highlighting the speed and efficiency of these attacks.”
Proximity to Car Keys for Signal Capture
Thieves using a car key scanner only need to be within a few meters of your car keys to successfully capture the signal. Knowing this proximity is vital when considering how to stop car thieves scanner attacks. Later, we will discuss practical methods to block your car key signal and prevent signal capturing.
Speed of Keyless Car Theft
The alarming speed at which keyless car theft can occur—often within just 20 to 30 seconds—underscores the urgency of taking preventative measures. This swiftness emphasizes the need for immediate action to stop car thieves scanner attempts.
Devices Used in Keyless Car Theft
Relay crime utilizes specialized electronic equipment designed to capture and relay the signal from your key fob. These car thieves scanner devices are readily available and increasingly sophisticated, making it easier for criminals to perform these thefts.
Is Your Car at Risk?
Determine if your vehicle has a keyless entry system to assess your risk.
Cars NOT at Risk: If you need to physically press a button on your key fob to unlock your car, your vehicle is not vulnerable to relay attacks. These systems are not susceptible to car thieves scanner technology.
Cars AT Risk: Vehicles with keyless entry systems, which allow you to unlock and start the car with the key fob remaining in your pocket, are at risk of relay theft. Once inside, starting the engine usually requires just pressing a button.
For a comprehensive understanding of keyless entry systems, refer to this guide.
Effective Methods to Stop Car Thieves Scanner (Practical Tips)
To protect your keyless entry car from becoming a victim of relay theft, here are actionable strategies focusing on how to stop car thieves scanner effectively:
1. Utilize a Signal Blocking Pouch (Faraday Bag)
Car key burglaries are unfortunately becoming more frequent. Keeping your car keys secure is paramount.
If you own a keyless entry car, always keep your keys away from doors and windows within your home.
Store your car keys in a screened box, metal tin, or ideally, a signal blocking pouch (Faraday bag). This prevents the signal from being intercepted and used to unlock your car. Remember to do this for all spare sets of keys as well.
Fact: Signal blocking pouches are also known as Faraday Bags or Pouches and are essential tools to stop car thieves scanner.
Why Signal Blocking Pouches are Crucial
Signal blocking pouches work by blocking your car key fob from transmitting its code to the vehicle. These pouches are lined with metallic material that creates a Faraday cage, effectively blocking electromagnetic fields and radio waves used by car thieves scanner.
“The pouch, featuring a metallic lining, prevents signals from the remote key fob from being intercepted by unwanted individuals,” explains John Mutch Locksmith.
Using a signal blocking pouch is a simple yet highly effective method to stop car thieves scanner technology from compromising your vehicle’s security.
Affordability of Signal Blocking Pouches
These protective pouches are quite affordable, often costing as little as £5. They can also block Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals on mobile phones, offering versatile signal protection.
Explore Faraday/Signal Blocking Pouch Guide and Best Signal Blocking Pouches Guide for more information.
2. Deactivate Keyless Fob Wireless Signals
Some keyless fobs offer the option to turn off their wireless signal. This is another proactive step in how to stop car thieves scanner.
Check your car’s manual to see if this feature is available for your keyless fob.
If you can’t find information in your manual, contact your vehicle manufacturer for guidance on disabling your fob’s signal when not in use.
Refer to Wikihow’s guide on turning off your fob for step-by-step instructions.
3. Employ Mechanical Security Measures: Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms
Using a steering wheel lock or installing a car alarm are traditional yet effective methods to deter keyless car theft. These physical deterrents are crucial in how to stop car thieves scanner and physical theft attempts.
While modern car thieves often use electronic devices, mechanical devices like steering wheel locks present a significant obstacle and visual deterrent.
When choosing a security device, look for 3rd party approvals like Sold Secure. Sold Secure tests products against tools commonly used by criminals.
Car Alarms and Insurance Benefits
If your car doesn’t have a factory-fitted alarm, installing an approved car alarm can potentially lower your car insurance premiums.
Ensure the alarm is insurer-approved, as alarm quality can vary. Professionally fitted immobilizers are also highly effective in reducing insurance costs.
Learn more about the impact of car alarms on your insurance.
4. Secure Parking Practices: Garage and Defensive Parking
Parking your car in a garage overnight is an ideal way to stop keyless car theft. It significantly increases the distance between your car and potential thieves trying to intercept your key fob signal.
If a garage isn’t available, park defensively in your driveway, positioning your car as close to your property as possible to maximize distance from the street.
Enhanced Home Security
Consider upgrading your overall home security with outdoor motion detector lighting and CCTV cameras. If street parking is necessary, choose well-lit areas.
A local MLA master locksmith can conduct a home security check and recommend upgrades to enhance your outdoor security measures.
Explore 18 Home Security Tips and Outdoor Security Advice for more detailed strategies.
5. VIN Etching on Windows
Etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (or registration number) onto your car windows, headlights, and mirrors acts as a deterrent. This makes it significantly harder for thieves to resell your vehicle, even if they bypass car thieves scanner defenses.
6. Maintain a Tidy Vehicle Interior
Keeping your vehicle tidy and free of valuables is a basic yet effective crime prevention tip.
Hide any electronic devices like GPS navigation systems and mobile phones. Keep your glove box empty and open to show there’s nothing to steal.
Conceal any signs of expensive equipment, such as suction cup marks from GPS devices on your windshield, which can attract thieves even if they are not using a car thieves scanner.
7. Secure Lost Car Keys
If you’ve lost your car keys, immediately contact a local MLA auto locksmith. They are experts in vehicle locks and keys.
They can ensure that only your current keys work by removing all others from your vehicle’s database, preventing stolen or found keys from being used. This is crucial even if keyless theft scanners are not involved.
Learn about car key reprogramming and best ways to replace lost car keys.
8. Reprogram Second-hand Car Keys
When purchasing a second-hand vehicle, there’s a risk that you may not receive all sets of car keys. To stop potential theft from previous owners who might still have a key, consider reprogramming your car keys.
If unsure, get your car keys reprogrammed to ensure previous owners cannot access the vehicle, even without using a car thieves scanner.
Warning: Car key programming costs can be significant, especially at dealerships. Hiring an auto locksmith is often a more cost-effective solution. Find a local auto locksmith.
Car Models Vulnerable to Keyless Car Theft
Any vehicle equipped with keyless entry is potentially vulnerable to relay crime.
Popular models like Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Focus are frequently targeted.
This was highlighted in a BBC report, “Hundreds of popular cars ‘at risk of keyless theft,” which analyzed data on relay attacks.
View a list of keyless cars tested for vulnerabilities.
A study by the General German Automobile Club (ADAC) tested 237 keyless cars and found that 230 could be unlocked and started using relay crime techniques, emphasizing the widespread vulnerability to car thieves scanner.
Keyless Entry Car Security Ratings
In 2019, Thatcham introduced a security rating system for keyless entry cars based on their resistance to relay theft.
Keyless Car Models Passing Keyless Theft Tests (Superior Security)
The following keyless entry car models PASSED Thatcham’s relay attack tests 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 Failing Keyless Theft Tests (Poor Security)
The following keyless entry car models FAILED Thatcham’s relay attack tests 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 – Frequently Asked Questions
Does putting car keys in a tin block the signal from car thieves scanner?
Storing your car key fob in a metallic tin MAY help prevent keyless car theft by potentially blocking the signal. However, effectiveness can vary.
It’s recommended to test if the signal is blocked when using a metallic container.
For reliable signal blocking, using a dedicated signal blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) is the most secure method to protect against car thieves scanner.
Where should I keep my car keys at night to prevent scanner theft?
To prevent keyless car theft, especially from car thieves scanner, store your key fob in a signal blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) nightly. Place your keys far from doors and windows to minimize signal reach.
Will My Car Insurance Cover Keyless Car Theft?
With car theft payouts reaching record highs, relay crime is considered a significant factor.
Most car insurance policies cover theft due to keyless theft, but they typically require proof that you possess all original keys. Always verify coverage details with your insurer.
Are Car Manufacturers Addressing Keyless Car Theft?
Yes, some car manufacturers are implementing preventative measures to counter keyless car theft.
Kia is providing Faraday bags to block car signals.
Ford, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes have introduced Motion Sensor Key Fobs. These fobs enter sleep mode after inactivity, disrupting signal relay attempts by car thieves scanner.
Are Vans Vulnerable to Keyless Theft?
Yes, there was a rise in keyless van thefts in 2018, with Ford Transits being a commonly targeted model.
What is the Future of Relay Theft Prevention?
Industry stakeholders are actively working to combat vehicle theft. Our Managing Director, Steffan George, met with West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson and car manufacturers to advocate for stronger action against vehicle thefts.
For immediate protection, using a Faraday pouch to store your key fob remains a highly recommended practice to prevent relay theft and stop car thieves scanner.
Have Questions About Keyless Car Theft?
If you have concerns about keyless car theft and how to stop car thieves scanner, contact us or consult with a MLA licensed car locksmith in your area for expert advice.
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