Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft, is a growing concern for vehicle owners. This sophisticated method allows thieves to exploit keyless entry systems, gaining access to and driving away with cars in a matter of seconds. Understanding how “Scanner Box Unlock Cars” – the technology behind this theft – works is crucial for prevention.
What is “Scanner Box Unlock Cars” and Keyless Car Theft?
“Scanner box unlock cars” refers to the devices used by thieves to perform keyless car theft. This type of theft, often called relay theft or relay crime, targets vehicles with keyless entry systems. These systems are designed for convenience, allowing drivers to unlock and start their cars without physically using a key. However, this convenience comes with a security vulnerability.
In essence, keyless car theft using a “scanner box unlock cars” device involves capturing and relaying the signal from your key fob to your car, even when the key is not physically present near the vehicle.
How Scanner Box Unlock Cars Devices Work in Keyless Theft
The process of keyless car theft using a “scanner box unlock cars” device is surprisingly simple and quick:
Step 1: Signal Capture with a Scanner Box: A thief, positioned near your house or where you typically keep your car keys, uses a “scanner box unlock cars” device to capture the radio signal emitted by your key fob. This device acts as a signal amplifier and receiver.
Step 2: Signal Relay to the Car: The captured signal is then relayed to a second thief standing near your car, often using another component of the “scanner box unlock cars” system.
Step 3: Vehicle Deception and Access: The relayed signal tricks the car into thinking the key fob is nearby. This prompts the car to unlock the doors and disable the immobilizer, allowing the thieves to start the engine and drive away.
This entire process, from signal capture to driving off, can take as little as 20-30 seconds, highlighting the speed and efficiency of “scanner box unlock cars” theft.
Identifying Keyless Entry Systems: Are You at Risk from Scanner Box Unlock Cars?
To determine if your car is vulnerable to “scanner box unlock cars” theft, you need to know if it has a keyless entry system.
Keyless entry systems allow you to:
- Unlock your car doors simply by approaching the vehicle with the key fob on your person (in your pocket or bag).
- Start the car engine by pressing a button inside the vehicle, without inserting a physical key into the ignition.
Cars NOT at risk:
- If you need to physically press a button on your key fob to unlock your car, your car is not considered keyless entry and is not vulnerable to “scanner box unlock cars” relay theft.
If your car has keyless entry, it is potentially susceptible to being stolen using a “scanner box unlock cars” device.
Preventative Measures Against Scanner Box Unlock Cars and Keyless Car Theft
Protecting your vehicle from “scanner box unlock cars” and keyless car theft requires implementing effective preventative measures. Here are several strategies:
1. Faraday Bags or Signal Blocking Pouches: Your First Line of Defense
Using a signal blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday bag, is one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent “scanner box unlock cars” theft.
How Faraday Bags Work:
- These pouches are lined with metallic materials that block electromagnetic fields, including the radio signals emitted by your key fob.
- When your key fob is inside a Faraday bag, the “scanner box unlock cars” device cannot capture its signal, effectively preventing relay theft.
Benefits of Faraday Bags:
- Affordable: Faraday bags are relatively inexpensive, starting from around £5.
- Easy to Use: Simply place your key fob inside the pouch when you are at home or any location where your car is parked and vulnerable.
- Versatile: They can also block Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, offering added privacy for electronic devices.
Best Practice: Keep your key fob in a Faraday bag, especially at home and overnight, and store it away from doors and windows.
2. Disable Keyless Fob Wireless Signals
Some keyless fobs have a feature that allows you to manually disable the wireless signal transmission.
How to Disable the Signal:
- Consult your car’s manual to see if this feature is available and how to activate it.
- Manufacturers may have different methods, often involving a sequence of button presses on the fob.
- If you cannot find instructions in your manual, contact your vehicle manufacturer for guidance.
Disabling the signal ensures that even if a “scanner box unlock cars” device is used, there is no signal to capture and relay.
3. Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms: Physical Deterrents
While “scanner box unlock cars” target the electronic system, physical security measures can still be highly effective deterrents.
Steering Wheel Locks:
- These mechanical devices physically lock the steering wheel, making it impossible to steer the car even if thieves manage to start the engine using a “scanner box unlock cars” device.
- They are a visible deterrent, often discouraging thieves from even attempting to steal the vehicle.
- Look for steering wheel locks with “Sold Secure” approval, indicating they have been tested against common theft tools.
Car Alarms:
- While some sophisticated thieves may bypass alarms, they still provide a significant deterrent.
- An audible alarm can scare away thieves and alert you and others to a potential theft in progress.
- Consider aftermarket alarms if your car doesn’t have a factory-fitted system.
- Inform your car insurer about fitted alarms, as it may reduce your insurance premiums.
4. Secure Parking: Garage and Defensive Parking
Where you park your car can also play a role in preventing “scanner box unlock cars” theft.
Garage Parking:
- Parking your car in a garage overnight is ideal, as it adds a physical barrier and increases the distance between your car and potential thieves trying to use a “scanner box unlock cars” device to capture your key fob signal.
Defensive Driveway Parking:
- If you park on your driveway, park as close to your house as possible to maximize the distance from the street and potential thieves.
- Consider installing motion-detector lighting and CCTV cameras to further enhance security around your property.
5. VIN Etching: Deterring Re-sale
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etching involves permanently marking your car’s windows and sometimes headlights and mirrors with your VIN or registration number.
How VIN Etching Helps:
- It makes it much harder for thieves to sell stolen vehicles, as altering or removing these etchings is difficult and costly.
- This can deter thieves who are looking to quickly resell stolen cars.
6. Keep Your Car Tidy: Reduce Temptation
While not directly related to “scanner box unlock cars” theft, keeping your car tidy and hiding valuables can reduce the overall risk of theft and break-ins.
Tips for a Tidy Car:
- Remove visible valuables like sat navs, phones, and bags.
- Keep your glove box empty and open to show there is nothing to steal.
- Wipe away suction cup marks from sat navs to avoid indicating valuable items might be hidden.
7. Secure Lost or Second-hand Keys
Lost Keys:
- If you lose your car keys, immediately contact an auto locksmith to reprogram your car’s system.
- Reprogramming ensures that the lost keys can no longer be used to access or start your vehicle.
Second-hand Vehicles:
- When buying a second-hand car, reprogram the keys to ensure that previous owners cannot access the vehicle.
- While reprogramming can be expensive, especially at dealerships, auto locksmiths often offer more cost-effective services.
Car Models at Risk from Scanner Box Unlock Cars Theft
Any car with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to “scanner box unlock cars” and relay theft. Popular models that have been identified as being at risk include:
- Ford Fiesta
- Volkswagen Golf
- Nissan Qashqai
- Ford Focus
However, it’s crucial to understand that the vulnerability depends on the specific security features implemented by the manufacturer, which can vary even within the same model range over different years.
Thatcham Security Ratings:
Thatcham Research, a UK automotive research center, introduced security ratings for keyless entry cars based on their resistance to relay attacks.
Vehicles Passing Relay Attack Tests (Superior Security):
- Audi e-tron
- BMW 1 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, X6, X7
- Ford Puma
- Jaguar XE
- Land Rover Evoque
- Mercedes B-Class
- Porsche 911, Macan
- Volkswagen Passat
Vehicles Failing Relay Attack Tests (Poor Security):
- DS3 Crossback
- Ford Mondeo
- Kia ProCeed
- Lexus UX
- Hyundai Nexo
- Mazda 3
- Toyota Corolla, RAV-4
- Volvo V60
These ratings indicate that some manufacturers have implemented more robust security measures against “scanner box unlock cars” theft than others.
Scanner Box Unlock Cars and Keyless Car Theft: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will putting car keys in a tin foil or metal box block the signal?
A: Storing your key fob in a metal tin or wrapping it in tin foil may offer some signal blocking, potentially hindering “scanner box unlock cars” devices. However, the effectiveness can be inconsistent. For reliable signal blocking, Faraday bags are recommended. Test any metal container to ensure it effectively blocks the signal before relying on it.
Q: Where is the best place to keep car keys at night to prevent scanner box unlock cars theft?
A: Store your key fob in a Faraday bag every night. Keep the pouch as far away from doors and windows as possible to maximize the distance and minimize the risk of signal capture by a “scanner box unlock cars” device.
Q: Will car insurance cover scanner box unlock cars theft?
A: Most comprehensive car insurance policies will cover theft, including keyless car theft. However, insurers may require proof that you still have all sets of keys. Always verify your policy details with your insurer to understand your coverage in case of theft.
Q: Are car manufacturers addressing scanner box unlock cars theft?
A: Yes, many car manufacturers are actively working to improve vehicle security against “scanner box unlock cars” and relay theft. Some measures include:
- Motion Sensor Key Fobs: Fobs that go into “sleep mode” after a period of inactivity, preventing signal relay. Ford, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes have implemented this technology.
- Faraday Bags from Manufacturers: Some manufacturers, like Kia, are providing Faraday bags to customers as a preventative measure.
- Improved Keyless System Security: Ongoing development of more secure keyless entry systems that are less vulnerable to relay attacks.
Q: Are vans also targets for scanner box unlock cars theft?
A: Yes, vans with keyless entry systems are also vulnerable to “scanner box unlock cars” theft. Ford Transits have been particularly targeted.
Q: What is the future of scanner box unlock cars and relay theft prevention?
A: The automotive industry is continually evolving security measures to counter “scanner box unlock cars” and relay theft. Focus is on:
- Enhanced Key Fob Security: Developing more secure key fobs that are resistant to signal capture and relay.
- Advanced Vehicle Immobilization: Improving vehicle immobilizer systems to prevent unauthorized starting, even if thieves gain entry.
- Industry Collaboration: Increased collaboration between car manufacturers, law enforcement, and security experts to combat vehicle theft effectively.
Need More Advice on Scanner Box Unlock Cars and Keyless Car Theft?
If you are concerned about “scanner box unlock cars” theft and want to enhance your vehicle security, contact a certified auto locksmith for expert advice and solutions.
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