Key Scanner Car Theft: Understand and Prevent It

Keyless car theft, often executed using a “key scanner,” is a growing concern for vehicle owners. This sophisticated method, also known as relay theft, allows criminals to bypass your car’s security system without physically breaking in or needing your actual car keys. If you own a car with a keyless entry system, understanding how Key Scanner Car Theft works and, more importantly, how to prevent it is crucial.

What is Key Scanner Car Theft (Relay Theft)?

Key scanner car theft, or relay theft, is a technique where thieves use electronic devices to exploit the convenience of keyless entry systems. These systems are designed to unlock and start your car when the key fob is within a certain range. Criminals use “key scanners” – devices that can capture and amplify the signal emitted by your key fob, even when it’s inside your home. This method allows them to trick your car into thinking the key is present, enabling them to unlock, start, and drive away with your vehicle in mere seconds.

How Key Scanner Car Theft Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The process of key scanner car theft is surprisingly simple and quick, often taking less than a minute. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

Step 1: Signal Acquisition: A thief, positioned near your house or wherever you typically keep your car keys, uses a key scanner device. This device is designed to detect and capture the radio frequency signal emitted by your key fob.

Step 2: Signal Amplification and Relay: The key scanner amplifies the captured signal and relays it to a second device held by an accomplice who is standing near your car.

Step 3: Vehicle Deception: The amplified signal tricks your car’s keyless entry system into believing that the genuine key fob is nearby.

Step 4: Unauthorized Access and Start-Up: Thinking the key is present, the car unlocks its doors and disarms the immobilizer. The thieves can then enter the vehicle, start the engine (usually with a push-button start), and drive off as if they had the actual key.

Cars equipped with keyless entry systems are particularly susceptible to relay theft, a form of key scanner car theft.

The speed and stealth of key scanner car theft are alarming. Thieves can operate silently and efficiently, often without leaving any signs of forced entry, making it difficult to detect until it’s too late.

Devices Used in Key Scanner Car Theft

The devices used in key scanner car theft, often referred to as “relay attack tools” or “signal amplifiers,” are readily available online or can be constructed with electronic components. These devices are becoming increasingly sophisticated and user-friendly for criminals, contributing to the rise in keyless car theft incidents. They essentially act as intermediaries, extending the range of your key fob’s signal to reach your car, regardless of the actual distance.

Is Your Car at Risk of Key Scanner Car Theft? Identifying Keyless Entry Systems

The first step in protecting your vehicle is to determine if it has a keyless entry system and is therefore vulnerable to key scanner car theft. Here’s how to check:

Key Fob Operation: If you can unlock and start your car without physically pressing a button on your key fob (beyond the initial unlock when approaching the car), you likely have a keyless entry system. If you need to press a button to unlock your car remotely, your vehicle is not at risk from this specific type of “relay” or key scanner theft.
Proximity Sensors: Keyless entry cars use proximity sensors. You can usually unlock the car by simply pulling the door handle when the key fob is in your pocket or bag and start the engine with a push-button start, again without taking the key out.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your car’s owner manual will explicitly state if your vehicle is equipped with a keyless entry and start system.

Cars with keyless entry offer convenience, but this convenience comes with a security trade-off, making them targets for key scanner car theft. Popular car models, including family cars and SUVs, are frequently equipped with this technology and are therefore at risk.

Preventing Key Scanner Car Theft: Top Security Measures to Protect Your Vehicle

While key scanner car theft is a serious threat, there are several effective measures you can take to significantly reduce your risk. These prevention strategies range from simple habits to investing in security devices.

1. Utilize a Faraday Bag or Signal Blocking Pouch: Your First Line of Defense

A Faraday bag, also known as a signal blocking pouch, is a highly effective and affordable way to prevent key scanner car theft. These pouches are lined with metallic materials that block electromagnetic fields, including the radio frequency signals emitted by your key fob.

How Faraday Bags Work: When you place your key fob inside a Faraday bag, it becomes shielded from external signals. This prevents thieves from using a key scanner to capture and amplify your key’s signal, as the signal is effectively contained within the pouch.

A signal blocking pouch, often called a Faraday bag, is an effective deterrent against key scanner car theft by interrupting key fob signal transmission. Image courtesy of Solon Security.

Cost and Availability: Faraday bags are readily available online and at auto accessory stores, often costing as little as £5 to £20. This small investment can provide significant peace of mind and protection against key scanner car theft.

Best Practices: Make it a habit to store your key fob in a Faraday bag whenever you are at home, at work, or in any location where your car is parked and vulnerable. Ensure the pouch is properly sealed to guarantee signal blocking.

2. Deactivate Your Keyless Fob’s Wireless Signal (If Possible)

Some keyless car fobs have a feature that allows you to manually deactivate the wireless signal when not in use. This effectively puts the key fob into a “sleep mode,” preventing it from transmitting any signals that can be intercepted by key scanners.

How to Deactivate: Consult your car’s owner manual for instructions on how to disable your key fob’s wireless signal. The process varies depending on the car manufacturer and model. Some fobs may require a specific button sequence to be pressed, while others may have a setting within the car’s menu system to control this feature.

Limitations: Not all keyless fobs have this deactivation feature. If your fob does not offer this option, Faraday bags or other preventative measures become even more critical.

3. Enhance Physical Security: Steering Wheel Locks, Car Alarms, and Immobilizers

While key scanner car theft bypasses electronic security, physical security measures can still be highly effective deterrents.

Steering Wheel Locks: A steering wheel lock is a visible and robust physical barrier that prevents thieves from steering your car, even if they manage to start the engine. Modern car thieves often rely on electronic methods, and a physical lock can be a significant obstacle.

A steering wheel lock serves as a strong visual and physical deterrent to key scanner car theft attempts.

Sold Secure Approval: When choosing a steering wheel lock, look for products with “Sold Secure” approval. This certification indicates that the lock has been tested against common tools used by criminals and meets specific security standards.

Car Alarms and Immobilizers: If your car doesn’t have a factory-fitted alarm, consider installing an aftermarket car alarm and immobilizer system. A car alarm will audibly deter thieves, while an immobilizer prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key or authorized device is present.

Insurance Benefits: Installing a Thatcham-approved car alarm and immobilizer system can sometimes lead to reduced car insurance premiums. Check with your insurer to see if they offer discounts for enhanced security measures.

4. Secure Parking Practices: Garage, Driveway, and Lighting

Where you park your car can also influence its vulnerability to key scanner car theft.

Garage Parking: Parking your car in a garage overnight is the most secure option. It adds a physical barrier and increases the distance between your car and potential thieves trying to intercept key fob signals.

Defensive Driveway Parking: If garage parking isn’t possible, park your car as close to your house as possible on your driveway. This reduces the range within which thieves can operate their key scanners effectively.

Outdoor Security Lighting and CCTV: Install motion-detector outdoor lighting and CCTV cameras around your property, especially in areas where you park your car. Well-lit areas and visible security cameras can deter criminals and provide valuable evidence if theft does occur.

5. VIN Etching: Deterring Re-Sale

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching involves permanently etching your car’s VIN or registration number onto the windows and potentially other parts like headlights and mirrors.

How VIN Etching Helps: VIN etching makes it significantly more difficult and costly for thieves to resell your car or its parts. Altering or removing etched VINs is a complex process, making stolen vehicles less attractive to criminals.

Deterrent Effect: While VIN etching won’t prevent key scanner car theft itself, it acts as a strong deterrent by reducing the profitability of stealing your vehicle.

6. Maintain a Tidy Vehicle Interior: Reduce Temptation

Although seemingly unrelated, keeping your car’s interior tidy can indirectly help prevent car theft, including key scanner theft.

Reduce Visibility of Valuables: Avoid leaving valuable items, such as laptops, phones, GPS devices, or shopping bags, visible inside your car. Thieves may be tempted to break into your car, even if they initially intended to use key scanner methods, if they see valuable items inside.

Empty Glove Box: Consider leaving your glove box open to show that there is nothing of value inside. This can discourage opportunistic thieves from targeting your car.

7. Secure Lost Car Keys: Immediate Action is Crucial

If you lose your car keys, especially if you suspect they may have been stolen, immediate action is essential to prevent key scanner car theft.

Contact an Auto Locksmith: Contact a certified auto locksmith as soon as possible. They can reprogram your car’s immobilizer system to invalidate the lost key fob, ensuring it can no longer be used to start or unlock your vehicle.

Reprogramming is Key: Reprogramming your car’s system is crucial because simply replacing the lost keys is insufficient. The lost key fob could still be used to steal your car if it’s not deactivated from the system’s memory.

If you’ve lost your car keys, promptly contact an auto locksmith to reprogram your system and prevent potential key scanner car theft.

8. Reprogram Second-Hand Car Keys: Secure Your Purchase

If you purchase a second-hand vehicle, there’s always a risk that previous owners may still possess a set of keys. To eliminate this risk and prevent potential key scanner car theft using these unknown keys, consider reprogramming the car’s key system.

Auto Locksmith Services: An auto locksmith can reprogram the car’s system to ensure that only the keys you currently possess will work with the vehicle. This is a proactive security measure, especially if you are unsure about the history of the vehicle and the number of keys in circulation.

Cost-Effective Security: While reprogramming may involve a cost, it’s a worthwhile investment for peace of mind and enhanced security, especially compared to the potential loss and inconvenience of car theft. Auto locksmiths are often a more cost-effective option for key programming compared to main car dealerships.

Reprogramming your car keys, especially for second-hand vehicles, is a vital step in preventing key scanner car theft by ensuring only your keys are valid.

Car Models at Risk of Key Scanner Car Theft: Are You Driving a Target?

Unfortunately, any car equipped with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to key scanner car theft. However, some models have been identified as being particularly at risk due to vulnerabilities in their security systems.

Popular Models Targeted: Reports and studies have indicated that popular car models like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Focus have been frequently targeted by key scanner car thieves. This is often due to their widespread availability and popularity, making them common targets for criminals.

Thatcham Security Ratings: Thatcham Research, a UK automotive research center, introduced a security rating system for keyless entry cars to assess their resistance to relay attacks (key scanner theft). Their tests revealed significant differences in security levels among various car models.

Passed vs. Failed Models: Some manufacturers have implemented improved security measures in their keyless systems. Models like the 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 relay attack tests and received “Superior” security ratings.

Conversely, models like the DS3 Crossback, Ford Mondeo, Kia ProCeed, Lexus UX, Hyundai Nexo, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV-4, and Volvo V60 FAILED the tests and were given “Poor” security ratings, indicating higher vulnerability to key scanner car theft.

Check Your Car’s Rating: It’s advisable to check if your car model has been tested and rated by Thatcham or similar organizations to understand its inherent vulnerability to key scanner car theft. This information can help you prioritize and implement appropriate preventative measures.

Key Scanner Car Theft: Frequently Asked Questions

Does putting car keys in a tin block the signal?

Storing your key fob in a metallic tin may offer some degree of signal blocking, potentially hindering key scanner car theft. A metallic container can act as a Faraday cage, although its effectiveness can vary depending on the material and construction of the tin. However, for reliable and consistent signal blocking, a purpose-designed Faraday bag or signal blocking pouch is recommended. If using a tin, test its effectiveness by trying to unlock your car with the fob inside the tin while standing near your vehicle. If it doesn’t unlock, it may offer some protection, but Faraday bags are generally more dependable.

Where should I keep my car keys at night to prevent key scanner car theft?

To prevent key scanner car theft, especially overnight, the best practice is to store your key fob inside a Faraday bag or signal blocking pouch. Additionally, place the pouch (containing your keys) as far away from external doors and windows as possible, ideally in a central location within your home. This maximizes the distance and shielding between your keys and potential key scanner devices operating outside.

Will My Car Insurance Cover Key Scanner Car Theft?

Most comprehensive car insurance policies will cover theft, including instances of key scanner car theft. However, insurance providers may require proof that you still possess all sets of keys issued with the vehicle. It is crucial to review your specific car insurance policy details and, if unsure, contact your insurer to confirm the coverage terms and any requirements related to key scanner car theft claims.

Are Car Manufacturers Taking Action to Prevent Key Scanner Car Theft?

Yes, some car manufacturers are actively implementing preventative measures to address key scanner car theft. These measures include:

Motion Sensor Key Fobs: Manufacturers like Ford (on models like the Focus, Kuga, and Puma), BMW, Audi, and Mercedes have introduced key fobs with motion sensors. These fobs enter a “sleep mode” after a period of inactivity (e.g., 40 seconds), ceasing signal transmission and preventing signal capture by key scanners.
Faraday Bags Provided by Manufacturers: Kia, for example, has started providing Faraday bags to customers with keyless entry models as a preventative measure against relay theft.
Improved Keyless System Security: Car manufacturers are continuously working on enhancing the security of their keyless entry systems to make them less vulnerable to relay attacks and other forms of key scanner car theft.

Are Vans Also at Risk of Key Scanner Theft?

Yes, vans are also vulnerable to key scanner theft, just like cars with keyless entry systems. Reports indicate a rise in keyless van thefts, with models like the Ford Transit being particularly targeted. Van owners should also adopt preventative measures, such as using Faraday bags and physical security devices, to protect their vehicles from key scanner theft.

What is the Future of Relay Theft and Key Scanner Car Theft Prevention?

Relay theft and key scanner car theft remain ongoing challenges for the automotive industry and vehicle owners. Continued efforts are needed from car manufacturers to develop and implement more robust security measures in keyless entry systems. In the meantime, vehicle owners must stay informed about the risks and take proactive steps to protect their cars using available prevention methods. Collaboration between law enforcement, car manufacturers, and security experts is crucial to effectively combatting this evolving form of vehicle theft.

Have Questions About Key Scanner Car Theft?

If you have further concerns or questions about key scanner car theft and how to protect your vehicle, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts.

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