Five People You Need To Know In The Keyless Car Stolen Industry
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How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen
Modern vehicles that are keyless are an ideal target for thieves. The good news is that there are some simple deterrents that can be used to assist.
One of the latest tactics used by tech-savvy thieves is known as relay theft. Two thieves work together to gain access to the vehicle. They employ a device that can capture the signal from your key fob and then transmit that to the vehicle.
Keyless Car Theft
It's a great feeling to own a car with no keys however, it also makes your vehicle vulnerable to theft. Criminals quickly learn how to exploit new technology. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help prevent your car from being stolen, without having to force entry.
In the past, thieves that wanted to steal a car required keys to it or wire it. They now have the ability to use sophisticated technology to hack keyless cars and start up. In fact 92% of vehicles UK security firm Tracker discovered in 2019 were stolen by this method.
To make the most of this technology, criminals make use of electronic signal relay devices to sabotage the signal transmitted by the key fob in a vehicle's ignition. These devices can be purchased on the internet for as low as PS80. The devices can then send the identical signal to nearby vehicles and fool them into unlocking and then turning off the devices.
Once the car has been started and the car is driven, the criminal can drive it away with ease and leave no trace left behind. Keyless car theft has risen as a result. In the US, keyless car theft could be responsible for up to 65% all car thefts. This can result in an increase in insurance premium.
It's hard to find specific information on cars that don't have keys however it's safest assume that cars that have push-to-start ignitions are more likely to be harmed than those that require keys to operate the ignition. Other factors can affect the vulnerability of a vehicle that could be a target, such as its popularity among thieves and its model and the brand, and security protocol.
Despite the efforts made by manufacturers to close the loopholes, certain keyless cars are more vulnerable to attack than other. A study by Thatcham Research in 2020 assessed the resilience of a selection of models were to keyless theft and gave them Basic, Poor and Superior ratings based on their ability to withstand the method. As such, it's important to take extra precautions if your car has keyless entry or start features.
How It Happens
The technology of cars has improved and thieves have come up with new methods to gain access. The technology used to steal keys from vehicles intercepts signals and "hacks" the fob to allow access to the car. Risks are higher for luxury cars that are newer. The most recent figures from the Home Office show that keyless entry accounts for about half of the vehicle thefts that occur in England. It's interesting to note that earlier models that had proximity keys, but no button to start the vehicle are also targeted by thieves.
It was the norm that criminals had to break into your car via doors or windows, but the introduction of keyless and remote locking ignition systems meant they could do it from a distance. The thieves have devised devices that pick up the signal from your key fob and amplify it before transmitting it to an emulatorwhich is basically an imitation key. The device mimics the signal from your car key which allows you to unlock and begin your car.
The CBC reports that this type of hacking is increasing, with thieves capable of gaining access to cars and take them away in less than 20 seconds. This is because keyless systems don't require the driver to carry their key in their hand or pocket.
A couple of years ago some time ago, an Toronto man discovered his Toyota RAV4 torn up and its headlight was broken not just only once, but twice over the span of three months. He discovered that this wasn't just a case of stupid vandalism; it was part of a sophisticated scheme to steal keys from cars.
The thieves are in teams and are referred to as "relay attackers." One person is equipped with an amplifier for relays, while the other holds an instrument that picks up your car's remote control signal and transmit it to the amplified device. This trick can fool your car into thinking your key fob is near which allows it to open the doors and begin taking off.
Some drivers are installing aftermarket security systems to stop this from happening, but the best defense may be to simply keep your key fob in a metal container or a signal-blocking pouch such as a Faraday pouch. They are available online for affordable prices.
Deterrents
Modern thieves employ sophisticated devices to intercept the signal relay that is sent out by key fobs. If they have it, they are able to duplicate the code to unlock the car and then start the motor. The best way to deter thieves is to make sure that the key fob will not remain within the range of the vehicle once it is parked, and preferably in a garage. You can also put the key in a container made of metal or Faraday pouch to stop its signal. You can also purchase an electronic device to track your car. It does not stop the car from being stolen, but it can aid in finding it later.
Two criminals working together to steal your car from outside is one of the most alarming kinds of keyless car burglary. The thieves employ a wireless transmitter to detect the signal of the owner's digital key fob. They then send it to a second device which is either placed in the vehicle or placed next to it. This effectively fools the car into thinking that the owner has clicked the lock button, and has unlocked the door. The thief drives off in the vehicle.
Although some experts suggest installing expensive after-market security systems to prevent this type of crime, they're not always effective and are easily defeated by criminals who have the right tools and knowledge. A better strategy is to invest in deterrents that make the task of stealing your car more difficult for thieves, including a steering wheel lock which makes it very difficult to get away.
Install motion detection lights around your home and garage to scare away thieves. You can also install CCTV cameras that will record criminals in the act. Another effective, yet simple, deterrent is to park your car in a well-lit, visible area. This will deter thieves who are more likely to be opportunists, rather than targeted thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle.
In addition to these security measures, consider installing the keyless entry system which has unique security codes that can only be accessed by the owner of the vehicle. This feature is only available on a few newer models and requires a professional to install. However, it can be well worth the cost because it makes your car less attractive to thieves.
The following is a list of preventatives.
As the rate of keyless car theft rises, it becomes even more essential for car owners to employ effective preventative strategies. When not in use, smart keys can be kept in the Faraday box or pouch. These items are lined with steel to block radio signals and prevent thieves from copying or intercepting their signals. Installing an immobilizer or a steering lock is another method to deter thieves. It is also able to physically stop the steering wheel from turning or the engine from starting in the event that they manage to get around the keyless entry system.
Another alternative is to park your car in an area that is more secure and away from doors or windows. This could confuse thieves and make it difficult for them to figure out who is the owner of the vehicle. Additionally, etching the VIN on headlights and windows can also act as a deterrent, since it makes cloning stolen vehicles much more difficult.
Dealerships can assist in preventing theft of cars with keys by implementing stringent security measures. In addition to fencing around the perimeter and a dedicated car storage area, dealerships should train their employees on the importance of vigilance and applying best methods for key inventory and handling of vehicles. Dealerships should also regularly audit their check here inventory to spot any issues.
In certain instances, thieves attempt to evade security measures built into the vehicle with an electronic device that taps into the vehicle's computer. These devices are typically plugged into the diagnostic port which is typically located in the front footwell of all cars. The thieves could program a blank remote to start the vehicle without owner's permission.
There are several ways you can lower the risk of being a victim of unauthorized car theft. You can stop criminals from hacking into your car's computer by using a shielded radio antenna, remove or conceal any electronics in the vehicle, and keep keys in a Faraday box or pouch. Installing a GPS tracker and an immobilizer will improve your chances of locating your car after it's been stolen, while also helping law enforcement catch the criminals. Contact an auto electrical expert to determine which preventative measures will be most beneficial for you and your vehicle.