The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Keyless Car Stolen

How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen

Modern vehicles with keyless locks are a favorite target for thieves. There are a few basic deterrents to help.

Relay theft is a new technique used by tech-savvy thieves. Two thieves collaborate in order to gain access to the vehicle. They employ a device that captures the signal from the key fob and then transmits it to the vehicle.

Keyless Car Theft

Owning a keyless car is like being in the future, but it can also make your car keys stolen but not car an easy to be a target for thieves. Criminals quickly learn to exploit new technology. There are ways you can do to to keep your vehicle from being stolen, without having to force access.

In the past, thieves who wanted to steal a car had to either get keys to it or wire it. Today, they can make use of sophisticated technology to hack keys-less vehicles and then start them up. In fact 92% of the vehicles UK car security firm Tracker found in 2019 were stolen through this method.

To make the most of this technology, criminals make use of electronic signal relay devices to steal the signal transmitted by the key fob in a vehicle's ignition. They are easily accessible on the internet and cost as little as PS80 each. The devices can then send the same signal to nearby vehicles and make them unlock and turning on the devices.

Once the car has been started, the burglar is able to leave without leaving any trace. In the end, keyless car theft is on the rise. In the US Keyless Car Stolen car theft could account for as much as 65% all car thefts. This could lead to an increase in insurance premium.

It's hard to find specific information about cars that are keyless, but it's safest to think that cars with ignitions that can be pushed to start are more vulnerable than those that need keys to turn on the ignition. Other factors can affect the vulnerability of a car such as its popularity with thieves and its model and the brand, and its security measures.

Although manufacturers have taken steps to fix these flaws however, there are some keyless car models more susceptible to attack than others. A study by Thatcham Research in 2020 assessed the resilience of a selection of models were to theft through keyless entry and gave them Poor, Basic and Superior ratings based on their capacity to resist the technique. It is essential to take extra precautions when your car is equipped with keyless entry or start features.

How It Happens

As cars advanced and sophisticated, thieves have been devising ways to break into them. This includes stealing keyless vehicles with technology that intercepts signals or "hacks" the fob to open and start the vehicle. The risk is higher for high-end cars that are newer. According to the most recent figures from the English Home Office, keyless entry is responsible for about half of all vehicle thefts. It is interesting to note that older models that have proximity keys but don't have a button that can be used to start the car have also been popular targets for thieves.

The introduction of keyless ignitions and remote locking systems has allowed thieves to gain access to your vehicle from the distance. The thieves have developed devices that can detect the signal from your key fob and amplify it before transmitting it to a emulator -- basically the equivalent of a fake key. This device then emulates the signal from your car key and allows it to unlock and even start your car.

The CBC reports that this type of hacking is on the rise, with thieves able to get into cars and take them away in under 20 seconds. This is due to the fact that keyless systems do not require that the driver have their fob in their hand or in their pocket.

Two years ago in Toronto, a man discovered his Toyota RAV4 ripped apart and its headlights removed not just twice, but just once within three months. He realized that this wasn't only vandalism, but was part of a sophisticated scheme for stealing keys from vehicles.

The thieves are in teams and are known as "relay attackers." The relay amplifier is controlled by one person, while the other person holds an instrument that can pick the remote control signal from your my car key was stolen and send it to the amplified device. This can trick your car to believe that your key fob is nearby, allowing it to open doors and drive away.

Some drivers install security devices from the market to avoid this. However the best way to protect yourself is to keep your key fob in an aluminum container, or signal-blocking pouch such as a faraday box. These are available online at affordable prices.

Deterrents

Modern thieves use sophisticated devices to snoop on the signal relays sent out by key fobs. If they are able to get this, they can copy it to unlock the car and start the engine. The best way to stop thieves is to ensure that the key fob will not remain within the reach of the vehicle once it is parked in the garage. You can also place the key in a metal container or Faraday pouch to block its signal. You can also purchase an electronic device to track your car. It will not prevent the car being stolen but can aid in finding it later.

One of the most threatening types of keyless car theft is the so-called relay attack, where two thieves work together to steal a vehicle from outside your house. One of the thieves stands close to the targeted car with an electronic transmitter that picks up the signal from the owner's original digital key fob and transmits it on to a second box which is positioned next to or inside the vehicle that is targeted. This effectively fools the car into 'thinking' that the owner has pressed the lock button and unlocked the door. The thief drives off in the vehicle.

While some experts recommend installing expensive security systems to prevent this kind of crime, they're not always effective and can be easily defeated by criminals who have the right tools and knowledge. A better strategy is to invest in security measures that will make the job of stealing your car difficult for thieves, including the locking of your steering wheel, which makes it extremely hard to drive away.

Install motion-detection lights around your home and garage to scare away thieves. You can also install CCTV cameras to capture criminals in the act. Another effective and simple deterrent is to park your car in a well-lit, visible area. This will deter thieves, who are likely to be opportunists instead of targeted thieves, from trying to steal your vehicle.

Consider investing in a keyless system that only the owner of the vehicle is aware of the unique security code. This option is only available on modern vehicles and will require an expert installation, but it's worth the investment since it will make your car much less appealing to thieves.

Prevention

As the number of thefts involving keys stolen in cars increases and increases, it is important for vehicle owners to implement effective security strategies. These may include storing smart keys in an item like a Faraday bag or box when not in use. These objects are lined with metal to block radio signals and stop thieves from copying or intercepting them. In addition, a lock for the steering wheel or an immobilizer could be a deterrent, as well as physically stopping the steering wheel from turning, or the engine from starting, in the event that a criminal succeeds in evading the keyless entry system.

Another strategy involves parking the vehicle in a more secure area in a safe distance from windows and doors. This could confuse thieves and make it difficult for them to figure out who owns the car. Additionally engraving the VIN on the headlights and windows can also act as an deterrent since it makes cloning stolen vehicles much more difficult.

Dealerships can deter theft of keys from cars by implementing strict security measures. Dealerships should train their employees about the importance and best practices of key inventory and handling of vehicles. They can do this by installing perimeter fencing and establishing a designated car storage area. Dealerships should also regularly audit their inventory to spot any issues.

In some cases, thieves may attempt to circumvent security measures built into the vehicle through an electronic device that plugs into the vehicle computer. These devices are typically connected into the diagnostic port which is usually located in the front footwell of many automobiles. The thieves could program an unprogrammed remote to start the vehicle without owner's consent.

There are several steps you can take to lower the risk of becoming a victim of unintentional theft of your car. You can deter criminals from hacking into your car's computer using an antenna shielded by a radio and remove or hide any electronic components in the vehicle, and store the key fob in a Faraday bag or pouch. You can also install an GPS tracker or immobilizer to increase the likelihood of locating your vehicle after it's stolen and assist police in catching the culprits. Contact an auto electrical expert to determine which preventative measures be most beneficial for you and your car.