Keyless cars are being stolen in minutes: how to protect your vehicle from relay theft

Car crime has changed a lot in the last few years. Instead of smashing windows or hot-wiring engines, thieves now use electronic gadgets to steal keyless cars in minutes.

Some of these devices sell for more than £20,000 according to a BBC investigation, and many are being passed between organised gangs across the UK.

This guide explains what relay theft is, why it is becoming so common and the simple things you can do today to keep your car safe.

What is keyless entry

A keyless car unlocks and starts when the key fob is close by. You do not have to press anything. The car simply senses the fob and lets you drive away.

It is handy when your hands are full, but it also gives thieves an easy way in.

Thieves use a gadget that tricks the car into thinking the key is next to it. The real key could be inside your house on the kitchen table, but the device bounces the signal and makes your car unlock and start.

This is known as relay theft.

More than 100,000 vehicles were stolen in the last year, and insurers say most stolen models were keyless. Some thieves can do it in under two minutes.

How criminals get hold of these devices

Specialist relay gadgets are being sold for thousands of pounds online, even though they are meant to be used only by approved technicians.

Some look like Bluetooth speakers. Others can block trackers so the stolen car cannot be traced.

Gangs often rent these tools to each other. They can steal several cars a week, so they get their money back fast.

A new law in the Crime and Policing Bill will make it illegal to own or share devices designed to steal cars.

However, experts warn that this may slow the problem, not stop it, because organised crime groups already share them across borders.

How to tell if your car is keyless

If you press a button on your fob to unlock your car and turn a physical key in the ignition, your car is not keyless.

If your car unlocks when you walk up to it and you start the engine with a button while the key stays in your pocket or bag, you have keyless entry.

Simple steps to stop relay theft

These tips are based on police advice, Thatcham Research guidance and evidence from recent theft cases.

Keep your keys away from windows and doors

Most relay thefts happen when the fob is kept near the front door. Move it to the other side of the house. Even a few more metres can break the connection.

Use a signal blocking pouch

A Faraday pouch stops the fob sending out a signal. They cost only a few pounds, and police strongly recommend them.

Buy one that has been tested by Sold Secure or Secured by Design for extra peace of mind.

Turn off the wireless signal on the fob

Some car keys let you switch off the signal when you are at home. Check your manual or speak to your dealer. It takes seconds and makes your key useless to thieves overnight.

Re-programme your keys

If you have lost a key or bought a second-hand car, a spare fob could still be paired to your vehicle. A trusted auto locksmith can erase old codes and make your car far safer.

Protect the OBD port

Some thieves break into the car and plug a device into the OBD port to program a new key. You can:

• move the port with help from a technician
• fit a protective cover
• install an upgraded immobiliser on higher value cars

Bring back a steering wheel lock

This old-school tool still works because thieves cannot hack it. A solid steering lock makes your car a far less attractive target.

Be smart about parking

If you have a garage, use it.
If you park on a drive, place the car as close to your home as possible.
If you have two cars, block the more valuable one with the cheaper one.

Extra checks before buying a car

Thatcham Research runs a security rating system for new cars. It can help you see whether a model has good protection against relay theft.
You can also look for products that are:

• Thatcham quality assured
• Sold Secure tested
• Secured by Design approved
  These labels mean the item has passed proper security testing.

Why thieves target keyless cars

Keyless models are high on the list for organised gangs because they can be taken quietly with no damage. Many are stolen to order and shipped out of the country within hours.

Trackers are often blocked. Some cars are abandoned and stripped. Even when police recover a stolen keyless car, it is sometimes written off due to damage made when overriding the electronics.

As one expert explained to the BBC, criminals can make thousands of pounds a week using nothing more than a laptop-sized device.

The human side of relay theft

Victims often say the worst part is the feeling of disbelief. One family in Wolverhampton told the BBC their car was taken while they slept. The thieves never came inside the house, but the couple still felt unsafe afterwards.

Relay theft is quick, quiet and unsettling. That is why small changes at home can make a big difference.

Final tips

• Check if your fob can be switched off.
• Store keys as far from your car as possible.
• Avoid buying cheap locking devices that are not approved.
• If your street has had recent thefts, add extra layers of security.
• Report suspicious activity such as people scanning houses with small gadgets.
  These small habits can stop thieves choosing your car and move them on to a harder target.