Car theft is reaching alarming levels across the US and UK, with keyless entry vehicles being prime targets. Criminals are using sophisticated relay attacks to exploit keyless entry systems, allowing them to steal cars in mere seconds, without breaking a window or triggering an alarm. What makes this method particularly dangerous is its stealth; many victims don’t realize their car is gone until they step outside in the morning.
If you drive a keyless entry vehicle, you could be at serious risk. Thieves no longer need to physically steal your key or break into your home; they can simply amplify the signal from your key fob, even if it’s inside your house, and use it to unlock and start your car. This type of theft is becoming increasingly common, and unless drivers take precautions, it could happen to anyone.
How Are Thieves Stealing Cars So Quickly?
Relay attacks exploit the wireless signals from keyless entry systems. Thieves use two devices: one near the car and another close to the owner’s key fob, which is often inside their home. The device near the key fob picks up its signal and relays it to the second device by the car, tricking it into unlocking and starting as if the real key were present. Within moments, the thieves are gone, and the owner is left without a trace of their vehicle.
“They Took My Range Rover in Less Than a Minute”
James Carter, a 42-year-old business consultant from West London, knows this reality all too well. His Range Rover Sport was stolen from his driveway in the middle of the night without any signs of forced entry.
“I had just gone to bed when I heard a faint noise outside, but I didn’t think much of it,” James told Plates Express. “The next morning, my Range Rover was gone. I checked my CCTV, and I couldn’t believe what I saw. Two men approached my house—one near my front door and the other by my car. Within less than 60 seconds, they were inside and driving off.”
Like many, James had worked hard to buy his car, only to have it taken in an instant. “It wasn’t just a car to us. It was something we had worked hard for, and in seconds, it was gone. The police told me there was little chance of recovering it. It’s just devastating.”
Which Cars Are Being Targeted the Most?
While all keyless cars are vulnerable, some brands and models are being stolen more frequently. If you own one of these, you should be extra cautious:
- Ford (Fiesta, Focus, Kuga)
- Volkswagen (Golf, Polo, Tiguan)
- Land Rover (Range Rover Sport, Evoque, Velar)
- Mercedes-Benz (C-Class, E-Class, GLC)
- BMW (3 Series, 5 Series, X5)
- Nissan (Qashqai, Juke, X-Trail)
- Audi (A3, A4, Q5)
- Toyota (RAV4, Corolla, Yaris)
- Kia (Sportage, Niro, Sorento)
- Hyundai (Tucson, Santa Fe, i20)
How to Protect Your Keyless Car
Security experts at Plates Express recommend several steps to reduce your risk of theft. Using a Faraday pouch can block the signal from your key fob, preventing thieves from amplifying it and unlocking your car. Keeping your key inside one whenever you’re not driving is a simple but effective deterrent. Installing physical deterrents like steering wheel locks, pedal locks, and wheel clamps can make your car a less appealing target.
Some vehicles allow you to disable keyless entry through the settings; consult your owner’s manual to see if this option is available. Upgrading your security with aftermarket alarms, immobilizers, and GPS tracking devices can make your car harder to steal and easier to recover if it is taken. Additionally, be mindful of key placement by keeping it away from doors and windows, ideally stored in a metal box or a signal-blocking container. Parking in a locked garage, behind a gate, or in a well-lit area can further reduce the risk of theft.
Plates Express Issues Urgent Warning
“Car theft is evolving, and relay attacks are now one of the most common methods used by criminals,” warns a spokesperson from Plates Express. “Drivers need to take this seriously. A simple investment in a Faraday pouch or steering lock could be the difference between keeping your car or losing it overnight.”
If you own a keyless entry vehicle, don’t assume you’re safe. Criminals are always looking for their next target, and without proper precautions, your car could be next.