How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen

Modern vehicles that are keyless are a frequent target for thieves. There are a few basic deterrents to stop thieves from gaining access to your car.

Relay theft is a brand new method used by thieves who are tech-savvy. It involves two thieves working together to gain access to the vehicle. They make use of a device that captures the signal from your keyfob, and then transmits it to your vehicle.

Keyless Car Theft

It's a great feeling to have a car that is keyless car stolen however, it also makes your vehicle vulnerable to theft. Like all new technologies criminals quickly learn to take advantage of them. There are ways to prevent your vehicle from being stolen without forcing entry.

In the past, thieves who wanted to steal a car required a key to it or hotwire it. Nowadays, they can employ sophisticated technology to hack into keyless cars and start them up. In fact 92% of the vehicles UK security firm Tracker found in 2019 were stolen using this method.

To make the most of this technology, criminals make use of electronic signal relay devices to steal the signal that is transmitted from a vehicle's key fob. They can be purchased on the internet for as little as PS80. They can transmit the same signal to vehicles nearby and trick it into unlocking and re-starting itself.

After the car has been started, the burglar can drive off without leaving any trace. Keyless car theft has increased due what to do if car keys stolen. In the US, keyless car theft could be responsible for up to 65percent of my spare car key was stolen thefts. This can result in an increased insurance premium.

While specific information on keyless car theft is difficult to come by, it's safe to assume that cars with push-to-start ignition systems are more likely to be targeted than vehicles that require a physical key to enter the ignition. Other factors could affect the vulnerability of a vehicle, including its popularity among thieves, its model and brand, as well as its security measures.

While manufacturers have made efforts to patch these loopholes however, there are some keyless models that are more prone to attack than others. A study by Thatcham Research in 2020 assessed how do keyless cars get stolen resilient a range of models were to theft through keyless entry and gave them Poor, Basic and Superior ratings based on their capacity to resist the attack. It is crucial to take extra care when your vehicle has keyless start or entry features.

How It Happens

The technology of cars has advanced and thieves have devised new ways to get into. This includes stealing keyless cars with technology that intercepts signals or ”hacks” the fob to open and then start the car. The risks are greater for luxury cars that are recently manufactured. According to the most recent figures from the English Home Office, keyless entry is the reason for about half of the vehicle thefts. It is interesting to note that older models that use a proximity key, but do not have a button that can be used to start the car have also been frequent targets for thieves.

There was a time when crooks needed to break into your car through the door or window, but the introduction of remote locking and keyless ignition systems made it possible to do it from an extended distance. Thieves have developed devices that can detect the signal from your car's key fob and amplify it before they transmit it to an emulator -which is basically an imitation car key. This device emulates the signal from your car key which allows you to unlock and start your vehicle.

The CBC reports that this type of hacking is increasing and thieves are being able to gain entry into vehicles and take them away in under 20 seconds. This is because keyless system do not require that the driver has their fob in hand or in their pocket.

(Image: https://g28carkeys.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/suzuki-logo.jpg)Two years ago, in Toronto, a man discovered his Toyota RAV4 ripped apart and its headlights removed not just once, but two times within three months. He discovered that this wasn't merely a matter of vandalism; it was part of a sophisticated method for stealing keyless cars.

These thieves are called ”relay attackers,” and they work in teams. The relay amplifier is controlled by one person, whereas the other person is holding the device that picks up the remote control signal of your car and send it back to the amplified device. This can trick your car to believe that your key fob was in the vicinity which allows it to open doors and leave.

Some drivers install aftermarket security systems in order to stop this. However, the best defense is to keep your key fob inside a metal container, or an accessory that blocks signals, like a faraday case. They are affordable and can be purchased on the internet.

Deterrents

Modern thieves employ sophisticated tools to intercept signals transmitted by key fobs. If they have it, they are able to duplicate the code to unlock the vehicle and then begin the motor. The best method of deterring theft is to ensure that the key fob isn't kept in the vicinity of the vehicle when it is parked up or in a garage. You can also try storing the key in the Faraday pouch or a metal container what to do if car key is stolen stop its signal. You can also purchase a tracking device that will not prevent the car being stolen, but it can help locate it afterward.

One of the most threatening kinds of keyless car theft is the so-called relay attack, where two criminals work together to steal a vehicle from outside your house. One of the thieves stands close to the targeted car with wireless transmitters that pick the signal from owner's original digital key fob and transmits it on to a second box that is positioned next to, or held in, the vehicle being targeted. This effectively fools the car into thinking that the owner has hit the lock button, and has unlocked the door. The other thief then drives off in the vehicle.

While some experts recommend installing expensive after-market security systems to stop this kind of crime, these are not always effective and are easily defeated by criminals with the right technology and knowledge. It is best to invest in deterrents to make it more difficult for thieves to steal your car, like the steering lock that makes it difficult for thieves to escape.

You can also install motion detection lights around your home and garage, which will illuminate and keep thieves away, and CCTV cameras, which assist in capturing footage of criminals performing the act. Parking your vehicle in a spot that is well-lit and visible can be an easy but effective way to deter thieves. This will deter thieves, who are more likely to be opportunists, not targeted thieves, from trying to steal your vehicle.

In addition to these security measures, consider installing a keyless entry system that utilizes unique security codes that are only recognized by the owner of the vehicle. This feature is only available on certain newer vehicles and requires a professional installation, but it is worth the expense because it makes your car much less appealing to thieves.

The following is a list of preventions.

As the number of car thefts that are keyless increases increasing, it is crucial for car owners to employ effective preventative strategies. When not in use, smart keys can be stored in a Faraday pouch or box. These items come with a metallic liner that blocks radio signals, thereby preventing thieves from intercepting and copying them. Installing a steering lock or immobilizer is a different method of deterring thieves. It is also able to physically prevent the steering wheel from rotating or the engine from being started in the event that they are able to get around the keyless entry system.

Another option is to park the vehicle in a place that is more secure, away from windows or doors. This can make thieves think twice and make it difficult for them to identify the owner of the car. Additionally engraving the VIN on headlights and windows can also serve as a deterrent, since it makes cloning stolen vehicles much more difficult.

Dealerships can stop theft of keys from cars by implementing stringent security measures. Dealerships should educate their employees on the importance and best practices in key inventory and handling of vehicles. They can do this by putting up fencing around the perimeter and establishing a designated vehicle storage area. Dealerships should also regularly audit their inventory to identify any irregularities.

In certain instances, criminals may attempt to circumvent the security features built into the vehicle by using an electronic device to connect to the computer in the vehicle. These devices are usually plugged into the diagnostic port which is typically located in the front footwell of many automobiles. The thieves can then program the blank key fob to unlock the vehicle and begin it without the owner's consent.

There are several ways you can reduce the chance of becoming a victim unauthorized car theft. You can prevent criminals from gaining access to your car's computer by using a shielded radio antenna and remove or hide any electronics in the vehicle, and then store the key fob in a Faraday box or pouch. Installing a GPS tracker and an immobilizer can increase the chances of finding your car after it has been stolen, as well as helping law enforcement catch the criminals. Contact an auto electric specialist to find out which preventative measures are best for your vehicle and you.