The 10 Scariest Things About Keyless Car Stolen

How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being stolen car key what to do

Modern vehicles that are keyless are a frequent target for thieves. There are a few basic deterrents to help.

One of the newest strategies used by tech-savvy thieves is called relay theft. Two thieves collaborate in order to gain access to the vehicle. They employ devices that detect the signal from your keyfob, and transmits it to the vehicle.

Keyless Car Theft

Owning a keyless car is like stepping into the future, but it could also make your vehicle an easy target for thieves. As with all new technology, criminals quickly learn how to take advantage of their weaknesses. There are ways you can do to help keep your car from being taken away without requiring access.

In the past, thieves that wanted to steal vehicles required the vehicle's key or hotwire it. They now have the ability to use sophisticated technology to hack keysless cars and start up. In fact 92% of vehicles UK security firm Tracker recovered in 2019 were stolen using this method.

Criminals are able to profit from this technology by using electronic signal relay devices that hijack the signal sent by the keyfob in the car. These devices are widely available on the internet and can cost as little as PS80 each. The devices will then transmit the same signal to nearby vehicles and trick them into unlocking and then turning off the devices.

Once the car is opened, the criminal is able to drive away without leaving any trace. Keyless car theft has risen as a result. In the US, it accounts for up to 65% of all car thefts, and could result in you paying an inflated insurance cost.

While specific information on keyless car theft is hard to come by, it's safe to assume that cars equipped with push-to-start ignition systems are more likely to be targeted than vehicles that require keys to be physically entered into the ignition. Other factors could affect the vulnerability of a car that could be a target, such as its popularity among thieves, its model and brand, and its security protocols.

While manufacturers have made efforts to fix these flaws but there are still keyless cars that are more vulnerable to attack than other. Thatcham Research 2020 conducted a study to evaluate the resistance of a wide range of models against theft via keyless. They classified them as Poor, Basic or Superior based on the extent to which they were able to resist this method. As such, it's important to take extra precautions if you own a car with keyless start lost or stolen car keys entry features.

What Happens?

The technology of cars has advanced and thieves have devised new ways to break in. The technology used to steal keysless vehicles intercepts signals and "hacks" the fob to allow access to the car. The risk is particularly high for cars that are more modern and luxurious. The latest figures from the Home Office show that keyless entry accounts for roughly half of all vehicle thefts in England. It's interesting to see that earlier models with 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 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 sending it to a emulator -which is basically a fake key. The device simulates the signal from your car key, allowing you to open and start your vehicle.

The CBC says that this type of hacking is growing and thieves are capable of gaining access to cars and steal them in under 20 seconds. This is because keyless systems do not require the driver to have their fob in hand or in their pocket.

Two years ago, in Toronto, a man discovered his Toyota RAV4 ripped apart and its headlight smashed off not only once, but twice within three months. He realized that this wasn't just senseless vandalism; it was part of a sophisticated technique for stealing Keyless Car Stolen automobiles.

The thieves are in teams and are referred to as "relay attackers." The relay amplifier is controlled by one person, whereas another person holds a device which can pick the remote control signal of your car and transmit it 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 taking off.

Some drivers are installing security systems from the aftermarket to stop this from happening, but the best defense is to keep your key fob inside a metal container or signal-blocking pouch, like a Faraday box. They are available online for a reasonable price.

Deterrents

Modern thieves employ sophisticated tools to intercept the signals transmitted by key fobs. If they have it, they can copy the code to unlock the car and then start the motor. The best way to deter thieves is to ensure that the key fob doesn't remain within the reach of the vehicle once it is parked, and preferably in a garage. You can also try storing the key in a Faraday pouch or metal container to stop its signal. You can also buy a tracking device that will not prevent the car being deactivate stolen car key fob but can aid in finding it later.

Two criminals working together to steal your car from the outside is one of the most alarming forms of car burglaries that are keyless. The thieves use a wireless transmitter to pick up the signal from the car owner's digital key fob. They then send it to a different device that is either put in the vehicle or placed next to it. The car is tricked into thinking that the owner had unlocked the door and pressed the lock. The other thief then drives off in the vehicle.

Although some experts suggest installing expensive after-market security systems to stop this type of crime, they aren't always efficient and can be easily defeated by criminals with the right tools and knowledge. It is better to invest in deterrents to make it more difficult for thieves to steal your car, like the steering lock that makes it difficult to drive away.

You can also install motion detection lights around your garage and home which will be lit up to keep thieves away, and CCTV cameras, which will help to capture footage of criminals performing the act. Parking your car in a location that is well-lit and visible is a simple but effective way to deter thieves. This will discourage thieves who are more likely to be opportunists rather than targeted thieves from attempting to take your vehicle.

Think about purchasing a keyless system that only the owner of the vehicle has the unique security code. This option is only available on newer cars and will require an expert installation, however it's worth the investment as it will make your car much less appealing to thieves.

The following is a list of preventions.

As the incidence of keyless car theft rises, it becomes even more essential for car owners to employ effective preventative strategies. These could include storing their 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 them. Installing an immobilizer or a steering lock is another way to deter thieves. It is also able to physically block the steering wheel from rotating or the engine from being started, should they be able to get around the keyless entry system.

Another alternative is to park the vehicle in a place that is more secure in a location that is not near doors or windows. This could frighten thieves and make it difficult for them to figure out who owns the car. The inscription of the VIN onto windows and headlights can also be a deterrent because it makes it difficult to copy stolen vehicles.

Dealerships can deter keyless car thefts by using stringent security measures. In addition to fencing around the perimeter and a separate car storage area, dealerships should provide employees with training on the importance of vigilance as well as implementing the best practices for key inventory and handling of vehicles. Dealerships should also conduct regular audits of their inventory to identify any discrepancies.

In some cases, crooks will try to bypass the vehicle's built-in security features by using an electronic device to connect to the computer in the vehicle. These devices are connected to the diagnostic ports, which are generally located in the footwells on the majority of cars. The thieves could program a blank remote to start the car without the owner's consent.

There are several ways you can reduce the chance of becoming a victim unauthorized car theft. Some of these include preventing criminals from accessing your vehicle's computer by using shielded antennas and concealing or removing any electronics inside the vehicle, and storing the key fob in a Faraday bag or box. Installing a GPS tracker and an immobilizer will improve your chances of locating your vehicle when it is stolen, and also helping law enforcement to catch the criminals. Contact an expert in auto electrics to determine the best preventative measures for you and your car.