The 10 Most Scariest Things About Keyless Car Stolen

How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen

Modern keyless vehicles are a frequent target for thieves. The good news is that there are simple ways to deter thieves that can help.

Relay theft is a novel technique that is used by smart thieves. This involves two thieves working together to get access to your car. They use a device to take the signal from your key fob and 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 car an easy to target for thieves. Criminals quickly learn to exploit the latest technology. There are ways you can do to keep your car from being stolen without forcing access.

In the past, thieves that wanted to steal vehicles had to either get a key to it or hotwire it. They now have the ability to use sophisticated technology to hack keysless cars and then start them. In fact 92% of the vehicles UK car keys stolen from unlocked house security firm Tracker recovered in 2019 were mercedes sprinter stolen without keys using this method.

To make the most of this technology, criminals make use of electronic signal relay devices to steal the signal being transmitted from a vehicle's key fob. They can be purchased on the internet for as low as PS80. They can then send the same signal to vehicles nearby and make it unlock and starting itself.

Once the car has been opened, the criminal is able to drive away without leaving any trace. This is why keyless car theft is on the rise. In the US Keyless car theft can account for up to 65% all car thefts. This can lead to an increased insurance premium.

It's difficult to locate specific data on keyless cars however it's safest suppose that cars with ignitions that can be pushed to start are more vulnerable to be insecure than cars that require a physical key to turn on the ignition. Other factors can affect the vulnerability of a car, including its popularity among thieves and its model and the brand, as well as its security protocols.

While manufacturers have made efforts to fix these flaws however, there are some keyless car stolen - from the Bloggactivo blog - car models more susceptible to attack than other. A study conducted by Thatcham Research in 2020 assessed the resilience of a selection of models were to theft via keyless and gave them Poor, Basic and Superior ratings based on their ability to resist the technique. It's therefore important to take extra precautions if you own a car with keyless entry or start features.

What Happens?

The technology of cars has advanced and thieves have developed new ways to get into. This includes stealing keyless vehicles by using technology that intercepts signals, or "hacks" the fob to open and then start the car. The risk is higher for high-end cars that are newer. The latest figures from the Home Office show that keyless entry accounts for roughly half of the vehicle thefts that occur in England. It's interesting to see that older models that had proximity keys, but no button to start the vehicle are also targeted by thieves.

There was a time when criminals had to break into your car via a window or door handle, but the introduction of keyless and remote locking ignition systems made it possible to do so from a distance. Thieves have invented devices that can detect signals from your car's key fob, amplify it and then transmit it to an emulator -- essentially an imitation car key. The device simulates the signal of your car key and allows you to unlock and begin your vehicle.

This type of hacking According to the CBC is on the rise. Thieves can get into cars within less than 20 seconds and steal them. This is because keyless systems don't require that the driver have their key in hand or in their pocket.

A few years ago, a Toronto man discovered his Toyota RAV4 torn up and its headlight dismantled not once, but twice in three months. He realized that this was not just vandalism, but part of a sophisticated technique for stealing keys from vehicles.

The thieves are in teams and are referred to as "relay attackers." One person is equipped with a relay amplifier, while the other holds a device that can pick up your car's remote control signal, and send it back to the amplified device. This could trick your car into believing your key fob is near and allow it to open the doors and begin driving away.

Some drivers are installing security systems from the aftermarket to stop this from happening, but the best defense may be to simply keep your key fob in a tin container or signal-blocking pouch, like a Faraday box. They are available online for an affordable price.

Deterrents

Modern thieves employ sophisticated devices to intercept the signal relay that is sent out by key fobs. If they have the key fob, they can duplicate the code to unlock the car and then start the engine. The best way to deter thieves is to make sure that the key fob doesn't remain within the reach of the vehicle when it is parked, and preferably in the garage. You can also place the key in a container made of metal or Faraday pouch to prevent its signal from being detected. You can also buy an electronic device to track your car. It does not stop the car stolen keyless entry from being stolen, but it can help locate it afterward.

One of the most alarming types of keyless car theft involves so-called'relay attacks', where two thieves work together to steal a vehicle from outside your house. The thieves use an electronic transmitter to receive the signal of the owner's digital key fob. They then transmit it to a second device which is either placed in the vehicle or placed next to it. This tricked the car into thinking that the owner has clicked the lock button and then unlocked the door. The thief takes off in the car.

Some experts suggest expensive after-market systems to prevent this kind of crime. However, these are not always successful and are easily defeated if criminals possess the right knowledge and technology. It is more beneficial to invest in deterrents to make it harder for thieves to take your car, such as the steering lock that makes it difficult to drive away.

Install motion-detection lighting around your garage and home to deter thieves. You can also install CCTV cameras that will capture criminals in the act. Another effective and simple deterrent is to park your car in a visible, well-lit area. This will discourage thieves, who are likely to be opportunists instead of targeted thieves, from attempting to steal your car.

In addition to these deterrents, think about installing the keyless entry system which has unique security codes that can only be accessed by the owner of the car. This is only available on some newer models and requires a professional installation. However, it could be well worth the investment because it makes your car less attractive to thieves.

Prevention

As the incidence of thefts involving keys in cars increases and increases, it is essential for car owners to implement effective security strategies. When not in use, smart keys can be stored in a Faraday box or pouch. These items are equipped with a metal lining that blocks radio signals, thus hindering thieves from stealing and copying them. Installing a steering lock or immobilizer is another way to deter thieves. It can also physically prevent the steering wheel from rotating or the engine from starting in the event that they manage to get around the keyless entry system.

Another strategy involves parking the car in a secured area in a safe distance from windows and doors. This can confuse thieves and make it harder for them to identify who is the owner of the vehicle. In addition engraving the VIN on headlights and windows can also serve as an effective deterrent because it makes the cloning of stolen vehicles much more difficult.

Dealerships can help to prevent keyless car theft by instituting stringent security measures. Dealerships must train their employees on the importance and best practices in key inventory and handling of vehicles. They can accomplish this by putting up perimeter fencing and establishing a designated car storage area. Dealerships should also periodically audit their inventory in order to spot any issues.

In some instances, criminals will try to bypass built-in security measures by using an electronic device that plugs into the vehicle's computer. These devices are usually plugged into the diagnostic port, which is usually located in the front footwell of all cars. The thieves can then program an unlocked key fob to unlock the vehicle and then start it without the owner's permission.

Fortunately, there are actions you can take to lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim of car key theft. You can deter criminals from hacking into your car's computer using an antenna shielded by a radio and remove or hide any electronics in the vehicle, and then store keys in a Faraday box or pouch. You can also install a GPS tracker or an immobilizer to improve the chances of locating your car after it's stolen and assist police in catching the criminals responsible. Contact an auto electrical expert to determine which preventative measures work best for you and your car.