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2.      The invisible threat: The rise in keyless vehicle theft

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The invisible threat: The rise in keyless vehicle theft

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company.

Keyless vehicle systems offer convenience to drivers; however, they have also become a top target for vehicle thieves. High-end vehicles are particularly at risk, increasing the rates of crime across the UK.

A fictional case study to illustrate this crime: An unfortunate morning

The vehicle owner woke up one morning to an empty driveway — her luxury BMW was gone. There were no broken windows or signs of forced entry. After reviewing her CCTV footage, the unsettling truth came to light: her car had been stolen using a 'relay attack.' Two individuals worked together to intercept and clone the signal from her key fob, which was inside her house. In under three minutes, her car was driven away without any obvious signs of theft.

Recognising suspicious behaviour

Unlike traditional car thieves, those who specialize in keyless theft often don't fit the typical 'criminal' profile. Here are some indicators to watch out for:

1. Prolonged Presence: Individuals hanging around your property or car for extended periods could be a red flag.

2. Electronic Device Use: Be cautious if you notice someone using multiple electronic devices near your car or residence.

3. Repeated Appearances: If you notice the same individual or vehicle near your property multiple times, especially at odd hours, take note.

How can I protect my vehicle?

• Keep your keys/fobs (don’t forget the spare) away from doors, windows or any place where they can be seen or easily located.
• Invest in a signal blocking pouch (Faraday bag). This can block the transmission of the signal from the vehicle key fobs once they are inside the pouch. 
• Wireless signals on some keyless fobs can be turned off. Look in your manual to see if this is possible. If not, contact your vehicle manufacturer.
• Purchase a steering wheel lock. This can be an effective tool in the fight against keyless car thefts, as of course it cannot be compromised via technology.
• Park your vehicle in your garage if you have one.
• If you have more than one vehicle on your driveway, park the more expensive vehicle behind the other, to block its access.
• Vehicle theft can involve thieves breaking into a vehicle and accessing the ODB port to start it. Contact your local dealership or an auto electrician to relocate the OBD port in your vehicle. Consider the use of the following: An OBD port protective cover or lock guard; a remote central locking keyless system upgrade or an upgraded immobiliser system to protect your vehicle.
• Invest in a tracker. It won’t stop your vehicle being stolen, but it can significantly increase the chances of the police locating it.

Source Crime Stoppers. 

What is relay car theft?

Many new cars now have keyless entry systems, or can have them added as an upgrade. This allows the driver to open and start the car without using a button or turning a key so long as the fob is nearby.

Thieves are exploiting this, using sophisticated technology to hack into your car’s computer, meaning they don’t even need a key-fob to start the vehicle and can drive it away in a matter of minutes. 

Modus Operandi - How does a relay attack work?

A relay attack usually involves two people working together. One stands by the targeted vehicle, while the other stands near the house with a device that can pick up a signal from the key fob. What’s more, some devices can pick up a signal from over 100 metres away.

The device then relays the key fob’s signal directly to the car, allowing the thieves to get in and drive away immediately. 

According to the Daily Mail, these hacking devices can be bought for as little as £100 by thieves online. 

Testing out devices available from Amazon and eBay, the Mail managed to break in to and ‘hack’ a Ford Fiesta in less than two minutes. In another test, Germany’s ADAC discovered that some brands are more at risk than others, with BMW and Peugeot systems being particularly easy to hack.

What are the most commonly targeted cars?

Recent stats from the car security company Tracker has revealed that 92% of the cars it recovered last year were taken without using the keys. This is an increase from 2018’s figure which stood at 88% and a worrying increase of 26% compared with four years ago. The figure in 2016 stood at 66%.

Tracker’s stats show that it is mainly the more premium manufacturers that are being targeted, with Land Rover models taking six of the top 10 spots. Here are its most stolen and recovered cars during 2020 compared to 2019.

The most expensive vehicle recovered by Tracker in 2019 was a Range Rover SV Autobiography, valued at £150,000. A VW Polo valued at £575 was the least expensive car recovered. The total value of recovered vehicles was £13m.

Vans are also at risk too!