Every few minutes, a car is stolen in the UK, and a number of these stolen cars are keyless cars. In this modern era, where technology is making progress day by day, thieves are misusing technology to steal cars. They use sophisticated tools to breach vulnerabilities in car security systems. In particular, keyless cars are the top-targeted vehicles to be stolen in the United Kingdom.
In this article, we’ll explore how keyless car thefts happen, which models are most at risk, and what steps you can take to protect your vehicle.
What is a Keyless Car?
A keyless car is a vehicle equipped with a keyless entry system and ignition system that starts the engine without inserting a physical key. The driver does not need to open the door with the key to enter the vehicle. Do you know how it operates? It’s quite simple, as the driver carries a fob key, a small electronic device. When the fob key is within a certain range, the car door opens automatically after the handle is touched.
When you enable the ignition system, the driver can start the vehicle by pressing the ignition button. Thieves steal these vehicles with the help of relay technology, also known as relay theft.
What is Relay Theft, and How does it work?
It is also known as keyless theft, where a thief exploits the keyless car systems. Criminals use a device to intercept and amplify the signals from the fob key. They fool the car by doing this, as the car detects the key is nearby, allowing them to unlock the doors and start the engine.
How Does it Work?
Two thieves committed this theft. One thief stands near the house or building with a signal amplifier to capture the signal from the key fob inside. The signal is relayed to the second thief standing near the car, tricking the vehicle into thinking the key is present. This task is done within a minute, and thieves steal the vehicle.
Which Keyless Cars are More Stolen in the United Kingdom?
| Rank | Make and Model | Number Stolen |
| 1 | Ford Fiesta | 4,446 |
| 2 | Volkswagen Golf | 1,731 |
| 3 | Ford Focus | 1,700 |
| 4 | BMW 3 Series | 1371 |
| 5 | Toyota RAV4 | 1,260 |
| 6 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 1,123 |
| 7 | Range Rover Evoque | 1,087 |
| 8 | Nissan Juke | 1,027 |
| 9 | Vauxhall Corsa | 870 |
| 10 | Range Rover Sport | 867 |
According to DVLA report, these are the most stolen Keyless cars in the UK in 2024.
Why are these Cars Targeted?
Several factors make these cars attractive to criminals.
One of the major reasons for stealing these vehicles at a high rate is their resale value in both national and international black markets. Secondly, these cars are quite popular, meaning their demand is high, and their parts are also expensive. Old models of keyless cars have weak keyless security that can be easily stolen.
How to Prevent Keyless Cars from Being Stolen?
There is a huge need to focus on disrupting the signal transmission between the fob key and the car. It requires a combination of tech-savvy solutions and an old-school security system. Let’s explore the effective measures to prevent keyless cars from being stolen:
Secure Parking: Try to park your vehicle in locked garages or under surveillance whenever possible.
Purchase the Faraday Pouches: They block the signal from the key fob and make it invisible to relay devices.
Steering Wheel Locks: This is one of the most effective ways to protect your keyless vehicle from thieves.
Tracking Devices: They help you recover your car if it is stolen. You can trace your car conveniently.
Keep Keys Away from the Windows or Doors: it saves your vehicle, as a thief wouldn’t be able to intercept and amplify the signals.
Disable Keyless Entry: Some manufacturers allow you to turn off this feature manually to protect your car from being stolen.
Manufacturer and Legislative Response
Manufacturer Responses:
Manufacturers are trying their best to minimise keyless car thefts by enhancing the security features. For example:
- Many manufacturers have started providing motion-sensitive key fobs that deactivate when not in use.
- They have improved the encryption between the key and the vehicle.
- Provide updated software to patch security surveillance
- Offer options to disable keyless entry on some models
Legislative Response:
- UK authorities are pressuring manufacturers to focus on security standards.
- Raising public awareness of relay theft risks
- Collaborating with police and industry groups to tackle organised car crime.
- Considering stronger penalties for tech-enabled vehicle theft.
Conclusion
To sum it up, keyless technology provides unmatched convenience to drivers but has significant security risks. Car owners need to be proactive and vigilant due to relay theft. If you own a keyless car, especially one of the most targeted models listed above, it’s important to stay protected.
You can also explore secure vehicle solutions from Continental Car Hire to ensure peace of mind with added safety and support. Following these options can save you from emptying your driveway.
