Keyless Car Stolen: 11 Thing You re Not Doing
How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen
Modern cars that have no keys are a prime target for thieves. There are a few easy deterrents to stop thieves from gaining access to your car.
Relay theft is a new method used by thieves who are tech-savvy. Two thieves collaborate to gain access to your vehicle. They employ a device that can detect the signal from your key fob, then transmit it to the vehicle.
Keyless Car Theft
The convenience of a car with no keys is like being in the future, but it can also make your vehicle an easy target for thieves. Criminals quickly learn to take advantage of new technology. There are ways you can do to help to keep your vehicle from being replace stolen car keys without forcing entry.
In the past, thieves that wanted to steal a car required a key to it or wire it. They can now use sophisticated technology to hack cars that are keyless and even start them up. 92% of the vehicles found by UK car security firm Tracker in 2019 were stolen in this manner.
To make the most of this technology, criminals employ electronic signal relay devices to hijack the signal transmitted by a vehicle's key fob. They are easily accessible on the internet and cost as little as PS80 each. The devices are able to send the same signal to nearby vehicles and trick them into unlocking and turning on the devices.
Once the car has been started the thief is able to drive it away with ease and leave no trace leaving a trace. Keyless car theft has risen as a result. In the US it is responsible for up to 65% of car thefts and could result in you paying a high insurance premium.
Although specific data on keyless car theft isn't easy to find however, it is safe to say that vehicles with push-to start ignition systems are more likely to be targeted than those that require the use of a physical key to get into the ignition. Other factors can impact the vulnerability of a vehicle that could be a target, such as its popularity among thieves, its model and brand, as well as its security measures.
While companies have tried to plug these holes but there are still 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 Basic, Poor and Superior ratings based on their ability to resist the technique. Therefore, it's essential to take extra precautions if you own a car with keyless start or entry features.
What Happens?
As cars evolved, thieves have been developing ways to break into them. This includes stealing keyless vehicles by using technology that intercepts signals or "hacks" the fob to unlock and start the vehicle. The risk is higher for high-end cars that are newer. According to the latest figures from the England's Home Office, keyless entry is the reason for about half of the vehicle thefts. It's interesting to note that earlier models that have 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 entry into your vehicle from a distance. Thieves have invented devices that can pick up a signal from the key fob in your car and amplify it, then transmit it to an emulator -in essence, fake car keys. This device then replicates the signal from your car key, allowing it to unlock and even start your vehicle.
The CBC reports that this type of hacking is increasing and thieves are 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 the driver to have their key in hand or in their pocket.
A few years ago, a Toronto man was shocked to find his Toyota RAV4 torn up and its headlight smashed not just at all, but twice within three months. He realized that this wasn't only vandalism, but was part of a sophisticated scheme for stealing keyless vehicles.
The thieves are known as "relay attackers," and they work in groups. One person is equipped with an amplifier for relays, and another is armed with a device that can pick up your car's remote control signal, and send it back to the amplified device. This can then fool your car into thinking your key fob is in the vicinity which allows it to open the doors and begin driving away.
Some drivers install security systems that are made available by the market to avoid this. However, the best defense is to keep your key fob in metal containers, or a an accessory that blocks signals, like a faraday case. These are available online at an affordable price.
Deterrents
Modern thieves employ sophisticated devices to intercept the signal sent by key fobs. If they have this they can copy it to unlock the car and start the engine. The best way to stop thieves is to make sure that the key fob doesn't remain within the reach of the vehicle when it is parked in the garage. You could also consider storing the key in an e-bag or container to block its signal. You can also buy an electronic device to track your car. It will not prevent the car being stolen keys what to do, but it can aid in finding it later.
One of the most threatening types of keyless car theft is a type of'relay attack' where two criminals work together to steal a car from your home. The thieves employ an wireless transmitter to detect the signal from the car owner's digital key fob. They then send it to a second device that is either put in the vehicle or right next to it. The car was tricked to believe that the owner had opened the door and had pressed the lock. The other thief drives away in the vehicle.
Some experts suggest expensive after-market systems to prevent this kind of crime. However, these aren't always successful and can be easily defeated if criminals have the appropriate knowledge and tools. The best option is to invest in deterrents that will make the job of stealing your car more difficult for thieves, such as a steering wheel lock which makes it difficult for thieves 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 that will assist in capturing footage of criminals performing the act. Parking your vehicle in an area that is well-lit and visible can be an easy but effective method of deterring thieves. This will discourage thieves who are more likely to be opportunists, rather than targeted thieves from trying to steal your car stolen keyless entry.
Think about purchasing a keyless system that only the owner of the vehicle is aware of the unique security code. This option is only available on some newer cars and will require an expert installation, but it can be worth the expense as it will make your vehicle less appealing to thieves.
Prevention
As the incidence of thefts involving keys in cars increases and increases, it is crucial for car owners to employ effective preventative strategies. When not in use smart keys can be kept in the Faraday box or pouch. These items are lined with metal to block radio signals and prevent thieves from copying or intercepting the signals. Furthermore, installing a steering wheel lock or immobilizer could be an effective deterrent, as well as physically stopping the steering wheel from turning or the engine from running, should a criminal be successful in bypassing the keyless entry system.
Another strategy involves parking the my car was stolen with the keys in it in a secure location away from windows and doors. This can confuse thieves and make it more difficult for them to figure out who is the owner of the vehicle. Additionally engraving the VIN on the headlights and windows can also act as a deterrent, since it makes the cloning of stolen vehicles much more difficult.
Dealerships can prevent keyless car thefts by using strict security measures. Dealerships should train their employees on the importance and best practices of key inventory and handling of vehicles. They can do this by installing fencing around their perimeters and creating a designated car storage area. Additionally, dealerships should regularly review their inventory to spot any irregularities.
In some cases, thieves may attempt to circumvent security measures built into the vehicle by using an electronic device that plugs into the vehicle computer. These devices are connected to the diagnostic ports, which are usually located in the footwells of the majority of automobiles. The thieves can program the remote with blank code to start the car without the owner's consent.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim of keyless car theft. You can prevent criminals from gaining access to your car's computer with an antenna that is shielded, remove or conceal any electronic devices inside the vehicle, and keep the my keys were stolen key fob was stolen (auto-Locksmiths55291.Tusblogos.com) fob in a Faraday bag or pouch. Installing a GPS tracker and an immobilizer can increase the chances of locating your car after it has been stolen, while also helping law enforcement catch the criminals. Contact an auto electric expert to find out which preventative measures are best for your vehicle and you.