The 10 Most Scariest Things About Keyless Car Stolen

How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being stolen car with keys left in it

Modern vehicles that are Keyless Car stolen are a frequent target for thieves. The good news is that there are simple ways to deter thieves that can aid.

One of the latest tactics used by tech-savvy thieves is known as relay theft. This involves two thieves working together to gain access to your car. They make use of a device to detect the signal from your key fob, then transmit it to the vehicle.

Keyless Car Theft

It's great to own a keyless vehicle however it can make your vehicle a target for theft. Criminals quickly learn to take advantage of new technologies. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help to keep your vehicle from being taken away without requiring entry.

In the past, thieves seeking to steal a car would need to obtain the keys or hotwire it. Today, they can make use of sophisticated technology to hack into cars that are not keyed and start them up. In fact 92% of the vehicles UK car security firm Tracker recovered in 2019 were stolen car key replacement using this method.

Criminals can take advantage of this technology by utilizing electronic signal relay devices that steal the signal sent by the vehicle's keyfob. They can be purchased on the internet for as low as PS80. They can then send the same signal to a nearby vehicle and make it unlock and starting up.

Once the car has been started, the burglar can drive off without leaving a trace. Keyless car theft has increased as a result. In the US the theft of cars that are keyless can account for up to 70% of all car thefts. This can lead to an increase in insurance premium.

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

Despite the efforts of car manufacturers to close these loopholes certain keyless vehicles are more vulnerable to attack than others. Thatcham Research 2020 conducted a study to assess the resistance of a wide range of models to theft through keyless entry. They classified them as Basic, Poor or Superior based on the degree to which they were able to resist this method. Therefore, it's essential to always take additional 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 cars by using technology that intercepts signals, or "hacks" the fob to open and start the car. Risks are higher for luxury cars that are recently manufactured. The latest figures from the Home Office show that keyless entry accounts for about half of the vehicle thefts that occur in England. It is interesting to note that older models that use a proximity key but don't have a button that can be used to start the vehicle have also been popular targets for thieves.

The introduction of keyless ignitions and remote locking systems has allowed thieves to gain entry into your vehicle from an inaccessible distance. The thieves have developed devices which can pick up the signal from your key fob and amplify it before sending it to a emulator -that is essentially the equivalent of a fake key. This device then emulates the signal of your car key which allows it to unlock and start your vehicle.

This type of hacking, according to the CBC, is on the increase. Thieves can get into vehicles in less than 20 second and take them away. This is due to the fact that keyless systems don't require drivers to keep their fob in their pocket or in their hand.

A few years ago, an Toronto man found his Toyota RAV4 torn up and its headlight dismantled not only once, but twice over the span of three months. He found out that this wasn't merely a matter of vandalism; it 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 the remote control signal and transmit it to the amplified device. This could cause your car to believe that your key fob was nearby which allows it to open the doors and then drive away.

Some drivers install aftermarket security systems in order to avoid this. However the best defense is to keep your key fob inside an aluminum container, or the signal-blocking pouch, like a faraday box. They are reasonably priced and are available online.

Deterrents

Modern thieves use specialist devices to snoop on the signal relay sent out through key fobs. If they have this they can copy it to unlock the car and then start the engine. The best deterrent is to make sure that the key fob isn't left in range of the vehicle when it is in a garage, preferably in a garage. You can also store the key in a container made of metal or Faraday pouch to block its signal. You can also purchase a tracking device that does not stop the car from being stolen but can aid in finding it later.

One of the most worrying kinds of car theft that is keyless is the so-called relay attack, in which two criminals collaborate to steal a car from your home. One of the thieves stands close to the car being targeted with a wireless transmitter that picks the signal from owner's original digital key fob, and then sends it on to a second box which is placed near, or held in, the vehicle being targeted. This effectively fools the car into 'thinking' that the owner has pressed the lock button, and has unlocked the door. The thief drives off in the vehicle.

Some experts recommend expensive after-market systems to prevent this kind of crime. However, they aren't always effective and can be easily defeated if criminals possess the appropriate knowledge and tools. A better strategy is to invest in deterrents that make the task of stealing your car more difficult for thieves, such as a steering wheel lock which makes it difficult for thieves to drive away.

Install motion-detection lighting around your home and garage to scare away thieves. You can also install CCTV cameras to capture criminals in their actions. Parking your vehicle 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 than targeted thieves from attempting to take your vehicle.

Consider buying a keyless lock that only the owner of the vehicle knows the security code. This system is only on a few newer models and requires professional installation. However, it can be worth the cost because it makes your car less appealing to thieves.

Prevention

As the rate of keyless car theft rises, it becomes even more important for vehicle owners to implement effective security strategies. This could include storing smart keys in a Faraday pouch or box when not in use. These items come with a metallic lining that blocks radio signals, thereby stopping thieves from intercepting and copying them. Furthermore, installing a lock for the steering wheel or an immobilizer could be an deterrent as well as physically stopping the steering wheel from turning, or the engine from starting should a criminal be successful in evading the keyless entry system.

Another option is to park the car in a secure location away from doors and windows. This could confuse thieves, making it difficult for them to recognize the owner of the car. In addition engraving the VIN on headlights and windows can also act as an effective deterrent because it makes cloning stolen vehicles much more difficult.

Dealerships can assist in preventing theft of keys from cars by implementing stringent security measures. Dealerships should educate their employees about the importance and best practices in key inventory and vehicle handling. They can do this by installing fencing around the perimeter and creating a designated car storage area. Additionally, dealerships should regularly check their inventory to find any anomalies.

In some instances, criminals attempt to evade built-in security measures with an electronic device that connects into the computer in the vehicle. These devices are typically connected into the diagnostic port, which is typically located in the front footwell of all automobiles. The thieves can then program an unlocked key fob to unlock the car and start it without permission from the owner.

There are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of unintentional car theft. You can prevent criminals from hacking into your car's computer by using an antenna that is shielded and remove or hide any electronic components inside the vehicle, and then store the key fob in a Faraday box or pouch. You could also install a GPS tracker or an immobilizer to improve the chances of locating your vehicle if it is stolen keys, and help law enforcement catch the criminals responsible. Contact an auto electrical specialist to determine which preventative measures will be the most effective for you and your vehicle.