Protecting Your Vehicle from Keyless Car Theft: A Guide for Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Owners in Dorset

Keyless car theft is on the rise, and many popular cars are at risk. Whether you unlock your car with a fob, a card, or an official app, tech-savvy criminals are finding new ways to steal your vehicle in a matter of seconds. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect your vehicle from keyless theft. Find out more in our guide below.

What is Keyless Car Theft?

Keyless car theft covers a range of methods used by thieves to gain entry to a car without a traditional key. The best-known of these is ‘relay car theft’. By intercepting your key fob or mimicking your digital key, thieves can trick your hi-tech car into unlocking without the need to force entry. This often involves devices that you can buy online, such as relay boxes, with thieves working in pairs to fool the car’s system into thinking the key is nearby.

Which Cars Are Vulnerable to Keyless Car Theft?

Any car with keyless entry is potentially at risk. However, manufacturers are working hard to improve keyless car security. Brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz have introduced ‘sleeping fobs’ to their keyless vehicles. These fobs are fitted with motion sensor technology, which essentially sends them to sleep if they haven’t moved for a while. This prevents criminals from using relay attacks or close-range testing tactics to steal cars. Other manufacturers, such as Jaguar, have equipped some of their newer models with ultra-wide radio technology, which prevents the car’s code from being traced.

How to Prevent Keyless Car Theft

This might all sound a bit worrying, but the following simple tips can help keep your keyless car safe:

• Double-Check Your Locks: Always ensure your car is properly locked before walking away. It’s easy to forget or assume that the lock function has done its job. Always double-check that the vehicle is secure before you leave it.

  
  

• Store Your Keys Wisely: Keep your keys away from entry points. Don’t leave them near a door or window. Store them as far away from the car as possible. If your car is at the front of the house, put your keys at the back, and vice versa.

  
  

• Invest in Signal-Blocking Technology: Buy a signal-blocking pouch, wallet, or Faraday bag. These pouches are designed to intercept the signal from a relay box, making relay attacks nearly impossible. You can find pouches, wallets, and Faraday bags (also called cages) online for under £10. Just ensure they work properly. Alternatively, placing your keys in a metal box at night will also provide protection.

  
  

• Use Your Mobile Phone Wisely: If you use your mobile phone as your car key, take the same precautions as you would with a fob key.

  
  

• Consider Physical Deterrents: Use a steering wheel lock or wheel clamp for extra peace of mind. These tools act as both a visible deterrent and an additional barrier to car theft. There are also digital locks available for some keyless cars to prevent hackers from accessing your diagnostic port.

  
  

• Keep Software Updated: Make sure you keep your car’s onboard software up to date. Manufacturers release regular security updates, so check if there’s one available for your vehicle. Some cars even allow you to update the software wirelessly without needing to plug anything in.

  
  

Understanding Your Vehicle's Technology

If you’d like us to explain what onboard technology your car has to prevent keyless theft, or check that your car’s software is up to date, just give us a call on 01202 148303 or email us at service@star-tech-ev.co.uk.