How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen

Modern cars that have no keys are an ideal target for thieves. The good news is that there are simple deterrents that will help.

One of the latest tactics used by tech-savvy thieves is called relay theft. It involves two thieves working together to get access to the vehicle. They use devices that detect the signal from your keyfob, and then transmits it to your vehicle.

Keyless Car Theft

It's an amazing feeling to have a car that is keyless however, it also makes your car ripe for theft. As with all new technologies, criminals quickly learn how to take advantage of them. There are ways to prevent your car key stolen what do i do being stolen without forcing access to your vehicle.

In the past, thieves who wanted to steal vehicles had to either obtain the vehicle's key or hotwire it. Now, they can use sophisticated technology to hack into cars that are not keyed and start them up. In fact 92% of vehicles UK car security firm Tracker found in 2019 were stolen using this method.

To make the most of this technology, criminals employ electronic signal relay devices to sabotage the signal transmitted by a vehicle's key fob. These devices are readily available on the internet and cost as little as PS80 each. The devices can then transmit the same signal to nearby vehicles and trick them into unlocking and turning on the devices.

Once the car is started, the thief is able to drive away without leaving a trace. This is why keyless car theft is on the rise. In the US, it accounts for up to 65% of car thefts, and could result in you paying a hefty insurance cost.

It's difficult to find specific information about cars that are keyless, but it's safest to assume that cars that have push-to-start ignitions are more likely than those that need keys to operate the ignition. Other factors that affect the vulnerability of a vehicle include its popularity with thieves, its brand and model as well as its security procedures.

While manufacturers have made efforts to fix these flaws, there are still some keyless car models more susceptible to attack than others. Thatcham Research 2020 conducted a study to determine the resistance of a wide range of models to theft through keyless entry. They rated them as Basic, Poor or Superior based on the degree to which they were able to withstand this tactic. As such, it's important to take extra precautions if your car has keyless entry or start features.

What happens?

As cars evolved and sophisticated, thieves have been devising methods to break into them. This includes stealing keyless vehicles with technology that intercepts signals, or "hacks" the fob to open and start the car. The risk is particularly high for luxury vehicles that are newer. The latest data from the Home Office show that Keyless Car Stolen entry accounts for around half of the vehicle thefts that occur in England. It's interesting to note that older luxury models that have proximity keys, but no button to start the vehicle have also been targeted by thieves.

The introduction of keyless ignitions and remote locking systems has allowed thieves to gain entry into your vehicle from a distance. The thieves have developed devices which can pick up the signal from your key fob and amplify it before transmitting it to a emulator -- basically an imitation key. This device then emulates the signal from your car key which allows it to unlock and even start your car.

This type of hacking According to the CBC, is increasing. Thieves can get into vehicles within less than 20 seconds and take them away. This is because keyless systems don't require the driver to keep their fob in their hand or pocket.

A couple of years ago some time ago, one of the years ago, a Toronto man discovered his Toyota RAV4 torn up and its headlight was broken not just at all, but twice within three months. He realized that this was not just vandalism, but a part of a sophisticated method for stealing keys from vehicles.

These thieves are called "relay attackers," and they work in teams. One person has an amplifier for relays, and another is armed with a device that picks up your car's remote control signal, and transmit it back to the amplified device. This could make your car believe that your key fob is in the vicinity and allow it to open the doors and start driving away.

Some drivers install security systems that are made available by the market to stop this. However, the best defense is to keep your key fob in a metal container, or signal-blocking pouch such as a faraday box. They are available online for a reasonable price.

Deterrents

Modern thieves use sophisticated devices to intercept signals transmitted by key fobs. If they have the key fob, they can duplicate the code to unlock the vehicle and then begin the motor. The best way to deter thieves is to make sure that the key fob is not left in range of the vehicle when it is parked up in a garage, and preferably in a garage. You can also put the key in a Faraday pouch or metal container to prevent its signal from being detected. You can also invest in an electronic device to track your car, which, while it won't prevent the vehicle from being stolen, will aid in finding it later.

Two criminals working together to steal your vehicle from outside is one of the most alarming forms of keyless car burglary. The thieves employ an wireless transmitter to pick up the signal of the owner's digital key fob. They then send it to a second device which is either put in the vehicle or right next to it. This effectively fools the car got stolen with keys in it into thinking that the owner has hit the lock button, and has unlocked the door. The thief who stole the door then takes off in the car.

Certain experts recommend expensive aftermarket systems to stop this kind of crime. However, they are not always successful and can be easily defeated if criminals have the appropriate knowledge and tools. The best option is to invest in deterrents that make the task of stealing your car more difficult for thieves, including the locking of your steering wheel, which makes it difficult for thieves to get away.

Install motion-detection lights around your home and garage to scare away thieves. You can also install CCTV cameras that will catch criminals in the act. Parking your vehicle in a spot that is well-lit and visible can be a simple but effective method of deterring thieves. This will discourage thieves who are more likely to be opportunists, rather than targeted thieves from trying to steal your vehicle.

Consider purchasing a keyless system that only the owner of the vehicle is aware of the security code. This option is only available on certain modern vehicles and will require an expert installation, however it is worth the cost since it will make your vehicle less attractive to thieves.

Prevention

As the rate of thefts involving keys in cars increases and increases, it is crucial for car owners to implement effective security strategies. This could include storing smart keys in an item like a Faraday bag or box when not in use. These items are lined with steel to block radio signals and prevent thieves from stealing or intercepting their signals. 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 manage to get around the keyless entry system.

Another option is to park the vehicle in a more secure area in a safe distance from windows and doors. This can make thieves think twice, making it difficult for them to identify the owner of the vehicle. In addition engraving the VIN on the headlights and windows can also serve as a deterrent, since it makes the cloning of stolen vehicles much more difficult.

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

In some instances, criminals may attempt to circumvent security features built into the car through an electronic device that connects into the vehicle computer. These devices are connected to the diagnostic ports, which are typically located in the footwells on the majority of automobiles. The thieves can program a blank remote to start the car stolen lost spare key without the owner's permission.

There are a few ways you can take to lessen the chance of becoming a victim of car key theft. You can deter criminals from gaining access to your car's computer using a shielded radio antenna and remove or hide any electronics inside the vehicle, and store the key fob inside a Faraday box or pouch. Installing a GPS tracker and an immobilizer can increase the chances of finding your car when it is stolen car keys replacement, and also helping law enforcement to catch the criminals. Contact an auto electrical expert to determine which preventative measures will be most beneficial for you and your car.