How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen
Modern keyless vehicles are a popular target for thieves. There are a few simple deterrents that can help.
One of the most recent strategies employed by thieves who are tech-savvy is called relay theft. This involves two thieves working together to get access to the vehicle. They employ devices that detect the signal from your keyfob, and then transmits it to your vehicle.
Keyless Car Theft
Owning a keyless car is like being in the future, but it could also make your vehicle an easy to be a target for thieves. Criminals quickly learn to exploit the latest technology. There are ways you can do to prevent your car from being stolen key fob, without having to force access.
In the past, thieves who wanted to steal a car have to either obtain a key or hotwire it. Nowadays, they can use advanced technology to hack keysless cars and start up. In fact 92% of vehicles UK car security firm Tracker found in 2019 were stolen using this method.
To make the most of this technology, criminals make use of electronic signal relay devices to steal the signal that is transmitted from a vehicle’s key fob. These devices can be purchased on the internet for as low as PS80. The devices can then send the identical signal to nearby vehicles and fool them into unlocking and turning on themselves.
Once the car has been started, the burglar is able to leave without leaving any trace. As a result, keyless car theft is increasing. In the US, keyless car theft could be responsible for up to 65% all car thefts. This can lead to an increase in insurance costs.
It’s hard to find specific data on keyless car stolen (My Page) cars, but it’s safest to assume that cars that have push-to-start ignitions are more susceptible to theft than those that need an actual key to turn on the ignition. Other factors can affect the vulnerability of a car such as its popularity with thieves, its model and brand, and its security protocols.
While companies have tried to patch these loopholes but there are still keyless cars that are more vulnerable to attack than other. A study by Thatcham Research in 2020 assessed the degree of resistance a variety of models were to keyless theft and gave them Basic, Poor and Superior ratings based on their ability to withstand the method. It is essential to take extra precautions when your car is equipped with keyless entry or start features.
What Happens?
The technology in cars has improved and thieves have devised new methods to gain access. This includes stealing keyless vehicles using technology that intercepts signals, or “hacks” the fob to open and start the vehicle. The risk is higher for luxury vehicles that are newer. The most recent figures from the Home Office show that keyless entry accounts for around half of all vehicle thefts in England. It’s interesting to see that older luxury models that have proximity keys, but no button to start the vehicle have also been targeted by thieves.
The introduction of keyless ignition and remote locking systems has allowed thieves to gain access to your vehicle from a distance. The thieves have devised devices that pick up the signal from your key fob and amplify it before transmitting it to a emulator -which is basically an imitation key. This device then emulates the signal of your car key, allowing it to open and start your vehicle.
This type of hacking According to the CBC, is increasing. Thieves can gain entry to vehicles in a matter of less than 20 seconds and steal them. This is because keyless systems don’t require the driver to carry their key in their pocket or hand.
Two years ago, in Toronto, a man found his Toyota RAV4 ripped apart and its headlights removed not just twice, but just once within three months. He realized that this was not just vandalism, but a part of a sophisticated technique to steal keyless vehicles.
They work in teams and are referred to as “relay attackers.” The relay amplifier is held by one person, while another person holds a device which can pick up the remote control signal from your car and send it back to the amplified device. This could trick your car into believing your key fob is near which allows it to open the doors and start driving away.
Some drivers use security devices from the market to stop this. However the best way to protect yourself is to keep your key fob inside an aluminum container, or an accessory that blocks signals, like a faraday box. These are reasonably priced and can be purchased online.
Deterrents
Modern thieves employ sophisticated tools to intercept the signal sent by key fobs. If they have it, they can copy the code to unlock the car and then begin the motor. The best deterrent is to ensure that the key fob is not left in range of the vehicle when it is in a garage, preferably in garages. 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 purchase an electronic device to track your car. It won’t stop the car from being stolen, but it can aid in finding it later.
Two criminals working together to steal your vehicle from outside is one of the most alarming kinds of keyless car burglary. The thieves use an electronic transmitter to pick up the signal of the owner’s digital key fob. They then transmit it to a different device that is either put in the vehicle or placed next to it. This effectively fools the car into thinking that the owner has pressed the lock button, and has unlocked the door. The thief leaves the vehicle.
Some experts recommend expensive aftermarket systems to stop this kind of crime. However, these aren’t always effective and can be easily defeated if criminals are equipped with the proper knowledge and technology. It is best to invest in deterrents to make it more difficult for thieves to take your car, like a steering lock that makes it difficult to drive away.
Install motion-detection lights around your home and garage to deter thieves. You can also install CCTV cameras that capture criminals in their actions. Another effective, yet simple, deterrent is to park your vehicle in a well-lit, visible area. This will discourage thieves, who are more likely to be opportunists rather than targeted thieves, from trying to steal your car.
You should consider purchasing a keyless system that only the owner of the vehicle has the security code. This system is only on a few newer models and requires professional installation. However, it could be well worth the cost because it makes your car less appealing to thieves.
Prevention
As the incidence of keyless car theft rises increasing, it is important for vehicle owners to implement effective prevention strategies. This could include storing smart keys in the Faraday pouch or box when not in use. These items are equipped with a metal liner that blocks radio signals, thus preventing thieves from intercepting and copying them. Installing a steering lock or immobilizer is a different method of deterring thieves. It is also able to physically stop 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 your my car keys got stolen in a location that is more secure in a location that is not near doors or windows. This could confuse thieves and make it difficult for them to recognize the car stolen after losing keys‘s owner. Inscribing the VIN onto windows and headlights can also be a deterrent as it makes it difficult to duplicate stolen car keys change locks vehicles.
Dealerships can stop theft of keys from cars by implementing stringent security measures. In addition to fencing around the perimeter and a separate storage area for cars, dealers should offer employees training on the importance of vigilance as well as implementing best methods for key inventory and handling vehicles. Dealerships should also regularly audit their inventory to spot any irregularities.
In certain instances, thieves may attempt to circumvent security measures built into the vehicle with an electronic device that plugs into the computer in the vehicle. These devices are connected to the diagnostic ports, which are typically located in the footwells on most cars. The thieves could program the remote with blank code to start the vehicle without owner’s permission.
There are a few steps you can take to reduce the chance of being a victim of unauthorized car theft. You can deter criminals from gaining access to your car’s computer with an antenna shielded by a radio and remove or hide any electronics in the vehicle, and store keys in a Faraday bag or pouch. Installing a GPS tracker and immobilizer will improve your chances of locating your vehicle after it’s been stolen, as well as helping law enforcement catch the criminals. Contact an auto electrician to determine which preventative measures be most beneficial for you and your vehicle.