The general improvement in car security in recent years had seen more car thieves resort to breaking into houses to get the keys for cars because taking the vehicle without the key had become so much more difficult. The rise in relay theft did something to halt this trend but there are still various ways that the committed car thief will try to get their hands on your vehicle. Some types of car are stolen more than others it's hard to say with certainty whether one model of car with a certain typeof technology is easier to steal overall than another. What you should always do is take every sensible precaution to ensure your car doesn't fall victim to the thieves.
How to avoid keyless theft – top tips
Keyless theft sounds almost like the perfect crime – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you can take to stop it from happening to you. We spoke to some of the industry’s leading security experts to find out what you can do.
Don’t forget the basics
Owners shouldn’t forget to take standard security measures, ensuring their car is properly locked and keeping keys far away from doors and windows. This will minimise the chances a crook will be able to find and amplify the key’s signal and is general good practice, as it’ll prevent thieves from easily breaking in and swiping them. Barrs also says owners can keep their car keys in a metal tin to block signals.
Can you switch off your key?
Richard Billyeald advises owners to investigate whether it’s possible to switch their key’s signal off, as some offer this function – though it’s not always obvious, requiring a double button press or a combination of pushes on the key. Check your manual to find out if your key has this function, or ask your dealer if it the system can be disabled.
Physical barriers
You could also purchase an aftermarket security device such as a steering wheel lock, a driveway parking post, or even a wheel clamp. Even if the thieves are able to access and start your car, these should prevent them from driving away – and many criminals will consider bypassing these as they're too much hassle.
Tracking devices
Tracker told Auto Express that vehicles fitted with its tech have a 96 per cent recovery rate when stolen. The odds reduce to 50 per cent for those without, meaning a car tracking device is a excellent way to help ensure that, should the worst happen, your caris recovered.
Signal-blocking pouches
Consider purchasing a Faraday pouch to keep your car key in. These pouches contain signal-blocking materials that stop your key transmitting its code, preventing crooks from being able to detect and amplify the signal.
But a Thatcham spokesman told us owners should be cautious about these bags, saying: “We have tested a few of the pouches and the ones we’ve assessed have worked, but we can’t guarantee they all will. Some pouches have two pockets, for example, only one of which will block signals, while there are so many on the market it’s simply not possible for us to test them all.”
Thatcham’s Richard Billyeald said owners should, therefore, test whether a pouch they’ve purchased works by putting the key in it and ensuring the car doesn’t unlock when they stand next to it. He added, however, that“keyless entry is a convenience feature, so pouches and the like arguably remove the convenience such systems are designed to offer.”
Is there anything more you can do?
Other steps you can take to keep your car safe include checking if there are any software updates for the car itself and remaining vigilant for unusual activity in your area.
Carmakers themselves are working on countermeasures to combat the issue of keyless theft, with new frequency technologies, software and keys among the developments taking place. Richard Billyeald added that“if owners are worried about keyless theft, they can contact their dealer to see if the system can be disabled.”
In 2017 Auto Express fell victim to keyless car thieves – read more about it here.
FAQs
The best way to protect your car is to block signals with a metal cage, and the simplest method is to use a Faraday bag. In effect, this hides the key and its coded information, which could be electronically copied to let a thief drive your car away.
How do I stop my car keys from being scanned? ›
How to protect your keyless entry car
- When at home keep your car key (and the spare) away from the car, doors and windows.
- Put your keys in a signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.
- Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.
- Use a steering wheel lock or car alarm.
The best way to protect your car is to block signals with a metal cage, and the simplest method is to use a Faraday bag. In effect, this hides the key and its coded information, which could be electronically copied to let a thief drive your car away.
Will a metal box stop a car key signal? ›
Yes, storing your keys in a metal box will block the signal sent out from your keys and prevent thieves from exploiting it. These are often called Faraday boxes or signal blocking boxes.
How do you prevent theft with a key fob? ›
How Can You Prevent Keyless Car Theft?
- Keep the key fob away from windows and doors. ...
- Keep the fob in a blocking bag. ...
- Switch off the fob's wireless receiver. ...
- Reprogramme pre-used key fobs. ...
- Invest in a steering wheel lock. ...
- Lock your car and don't leave anything on display.
And if nothing else, wrap the key fob in layers of aluminum foil to block the signal, Shlisel said.
How do you block RFID signals on a key fob? ›
Metals conduct electricity, so a metal box will absorb any radio waves coming from your fob and convert those waves to free electrons that bounce around in the metal. A box made from copper, stainless steel, or an alloy (or combination of metals) is sure to do the trick!
What can you use instead of a Faraday box? ›
Aluminum foil can be used to protect against electromagnetic fields. Shoplifters use this to their advantage by coating the inside of bags to prevent detection. The same principle applies to this guide on Instructables about using aluminum foil, an envelope, and some tape.
Does aluminum foil work as a Faraday cage? ›
If you want to build a larger “shield room,” as engineers refer to rooms that are essentially large Faraday cages for storing electronics, you can do so by covering the inside of a small room or closet with several layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Overlap all of the seams and tape them with regular cellophane tape.
Is a metal tin as good as a Faraday pouch? ›
However, simply dropping your keys into a biscuit tin may not provide you much in the way of protection when it comes to blocking your car key signal. It might also crush your biscuits. To make a homemade Faraday cage/box more effective, you need a container made of some sort of alloy (rather than tin).
By storing your car keys, fob or card in an aluminium tin (even grandma's old biscuit tins), or a special signal blocking box, the signal between the car and key is blocked. This means thieves can't intercept it and clone a new one. If you're out and about, then a Faraday pouch is your best friend.
Which keyless cars are most stolen? ›
The Ford Fiesta holds the unwanted title of being the most stolen car, with almost 6,000 being taken last year, according to the DVLA. Telegraph Money delves into why keyless cars are an easy target, and the eight steps you can take to beef up security on your vehicle.
How to make a faraday box for car keys? ›
Choose either solid metal (like aluminum foil) or a mesh (like screen door material). If using mesh, the holes must be smaller than the radio waves you're trying to block. Mount your metal on all sides of a box like a shoebox. Test your cage by putting your keys inside, then closing it.
How do I stop my keyless car from being stolen? ›
How to prevent keyless car theft
- Avoid parking your car on the street at night. ...
- Install a tracking device. ...
- Make sure your car is properly locked before walking away. ...
- Choose a model with a sleep option on the fob. ...
- Turn off your keyless fob's wireless signal. ...
- Buy a signal-blocking pouch/wallet or Faraday bag.
Yes, some car manufacturers are introducing preventative measures to help prevent keyless cars from being stolen. Kia are providing their own faraday bag that helps block the car signal. Ford Focus, Fiesta, BMW, Audi & Mercedes have introduced Motion Sensor Key Fobs.
Why should you keep your key fob in a metal coffee can? ›
Thieves can hack into the key fob, making it possible to steal a car without the key. You could just make a Faraday cage out of aluminum foil. You could also use a sardine or tuna can after it's opened and seal the top with aluminum foil. Those metal cans that mints come in would be good too.
How to make a car key signal blocker box? ›
Here's how to thwart this attack: Just put the key in a metal box so the hacker's booster can't communicate with it. Technically you're putting it in a Faraday cage, a box through which the necessary radio signals can't penetrate. We made a Faraday cage with aluminum foil and a small box. It worked well.
Do key signal blockers work? ›
The answer to that question is yes and no. There have been many studies and most faraday bags work exactly the same and they are generally effective at blocking the signals.
How do I stop a key from being copied? ›
Stamping Keys with a “Do Not Duplicate” Stamp
You may have seen keys with the words “DO NOT DUPLICATE” stamped on them. In fact, we have these stamps at our own shop. Upon request, we can stamp key copies with this text.
How do I deactivate my car key fob? ›
If you see that you can't disable a key fob yourself, the best thing to do is to call an automotive locksmith. They can help you reprogram it and tell you how to prevent the key fob hacking.
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