How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen

Modern keyless cars are becoming the most popular 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. It involves two thieves working together to gain access to the car. They use devices that detect the signal from your keyfob and transmits it to the vehicle.

Keyless Car Theft

It's an amazing feeling to have a my car was stolen with the keys in it that is keyless however it can make your car ripe for theft. Criminals quickly learn to exploit new technologies. There are ways you can do to prevent your car from being stolen without forcing entry.

In the past, thieves seeking to steal a vehicle would have to either obtain keys or wire it. They now have the ability to use sophisticated technology to hack cars that are keyless and then start them. In fact 92% of vehicles UK car security firm Tracker found in 2019 were stolen car with keys left in it through this method.

To make the most of this technology, criminals employ electronic signal relay devices to sabotage the signal being transmitted from the key fob in a vehicle's ignition. They can be purchased on the internet for as little as PS80. They can transmit the same signal to a vehicle nearby and make it unlock and starting itself.

Once the car is opened, the criminal is able to drive away without leaving any trace. In the end, keyless car stolen [just click the following post] car theft is on the rise. In the US it is responsible for up to 65% of all car thefts and can have you paying an inflated insurance premium.

It's difficult to locate specific information about cars that are keyless however, it's safest to think that cars with ignitions that can be pushed to start are more vulnerable to be harmed than those that require keys for the ignition to work. Other factors that can impact the vulnerability of a vehicle include its popularity with thieves and their brand, model and name, and its security protocols.

Despite the efforts of car manufacturers to close the loopholes, certain keyless cars are more vulnerable to attack than others. Thatcham Research 2020 conducted a study to assess the resistance of a range of models against theft via keyless. They classified them as Basic, Poor or Superior based on the extent to which they were able to withstand this tactic. It is crucial to take extra care when your car has keyless entry or start features.

What Happens?

As cars evolved, thieves have been developing ways to break into them. This includes stealing keyless cars using technology that intercepts signals or "hacks" the fob to open and then start the vehicle. The risk is especially high for luxury vehicles that are newer. According to the most recent statistics from the English Home Office, keyless entry is responsible for about half of the vehicle thefts. Interestingly, older luxury models that utilize a proximity key, but do not include a button to start the vehicle have also been frequently targeted by thieves.

There was a time when criminals had to break into your car via a window or door handle however the advent of keyless and remote locking ignition systems meant they could do so from the distance. Thieves have invented devices that pick up signals from the key fob in your car and amplify it, then transmit it to an emulatorin essence, an imitation car key. The device then mimics the signal from your spare car key stolen key, allowing it to unlock and even start your car.

The CBC reports that this kind of hacking is growing and thieves are able to get into cars and take them away within less than 20 seconds. This is due to the fact that keyless systems don't require the driver to carry their key in their pocket or hand.

Two years ago, in Toronto, a man was shocked to find his Toyota RAV4 ripped apart and its headlight smashed off not twice, but just once within three months. He realized that this wasn't just a case of stupid vandalism, it was part of a sophisticated scheme to steal keys from automobiles.

The thieves are known as "relay attackers," and they work in groups. One person is equipped with an amplifier for relays, while another is armed with a device that can pick up your car's remote control signal and then send it back to the amplified device. This can trick your car into believing that your key fob was in the vicinity, allowing it to open the doors and drive away.

Some drivers are installing aftermarket security systems to prevent this however the best option is to keep your key fob in a metal container or signal-blocking pouch, like a Faraday box. These are available online at a reasonable price.

Deterrents

Modern thieves use sophisticated devices to snoop on the signal relay sent out by key fobs. If they are able to get this, they can duplicate it to unlock the car and start the engine. The best deterrent is to make sure that the key fob is not kept in the vicinity of the car when it is parked up or in garages. 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 does not stop the car from being stolen but can assist in locating it after.

Two criminals working together to steal your vehicle from the outside is among the most alarming kinds of car burglaries that don't require keys. One of them is close to the car being targeted with wireless transmitters that pick the signal from the owner's original digital key fob and transmits it to a second box which is placed next to or inside the vehicle being targeted. This effectively fools the car into 'thinking' that the owner has clicked the lock button and unlocked the door. The other thief then drives off in the car.

Although some experts suggest installing expensive after-market security systems to stop this kind of crime, they aren't always effective and can be easily defeated by criminals equipped with the right equipment and know-how. A better option is to invest in deterrents that will make the job of stealing your car more difficult for thieves, like the lock on your steering wheel that makes it difficult for thieves to drive away.

You can also install motion detection lights around your garage and home, which will illuminate and keep thieves away, and CCTV cameras that will aid in recording footage of criminals in the act. Another effective and simple deterrent is to park your vehicle in a visible, well-lit area. This will deter thieves who are more likely be opportunists rather than targeted thieves from trying to take your vehicle.

Think about investing in a keyless system that only the owner of the vehicle is aware of the security code. This feature is only available on a few newer models and requires a professional to install. However, it can be worth the cost since it makes your vehicle less appealing to thieves.

Prevention

It is becoming more important for vehicle owners, as the incidence of keyless theft increases, to implement effective preventative measures. These could include storing their smart keys in a Faraday pouch or box when not in use. These objects are lined with metal to block radio signals and prevent thieves from copying or intercepting them. Installing a steering lock or immobilizer is a different method of deterring thieves. It can also physically block the steering wheel from rotating or the engine from starting, should they be able to bypass the keyless entry system.

Another strategy involves parking the vehicle in a more secured area away from doors and windows. This can make thieves think twice, making it difficult for them to identify the owner of the car. Etching the VIN on headlights and windows is also a good deterrent because it makes it difficult to copy stolen vehicles.

Dealerships can deter keyless car thefts by implementing strict security measures. In addition to fencing around the perimeter and a dedicated storage area for cars, dealers should provide employees with training on the importance of vigilance and implementing best practices for key inventory and handling vehicles. Dealerships should also conduct regular audits of their inventory to identify any discrepancies.

In some cases, thieves may attempt to circumvent security features built into the car through an electronic device that taps into the vehicle computer. These devices are plugged into the diagnostic ports, which are typically found in the footwells of the majority of cars. The thieves could program a blank remote to start the vehicle without owner's consent.

Fortunately, there are some ways you can take to decrease the risk of being a victim of keyless car theft. You can prevent criminals from hacking into your car's computer by using a shielded radio antenna take out or cover any electronic devices in the vehicle, and keep the key fob inside a Faraday box or pouch. You could also install an GPS tracker or immobilizer to improve the chances of locating your vehicle after it is stolen, and help police in catching the criminals responsible. Contact an auto electric specialist to determine which preventative measures are best for you and your vehicle.