Motor vehicle thefts have been on the rise in recent years. Advances in vehicle technology has left gaps in security which are being exploited by highly organised gangs who want your vehicle.
As keyless technology has become more common, so have keyless thefts. This is mainly due to the availability of devices capable of amplifying your key fob’s signal from a distance and transmitting it to a second device which tricks your car to believing it’s a genuine key. These devices can detect and replicate your key fob’s signal from outside your house making it very difficult to prevent. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure. Do not keep your key fobs near any doors or windows or in an outsider’s line of sight. Keep your key fob’s in a ‘faraday’ pouch or similar container which will block transmitter signals (inside your microwave also works!) when not in use. Also check with your manufacturer whether you are able to disable your key fob’s signal transmitter when not in use (this is possible by pressing a sequence of buttons on the key fob with some vehicles).
The majority of vehicles are still stolen with a key. If your vehicle is being targeted by a thief, their first consideration is likely to be how can they get their hands on a key. Unfortunately, this means many victims will also have to suffer the hardship of a home break-in as well as losing their vehicle. It is therefore very important to make sure your home has sufficient security and that your keys/fobs are kept out of sight.
Most Common Types of Vehicle Theft
• Vehicles being stolen with the key fob.
• Key fob signal cloned by frequency interceptor.
• Dummy key/fob programmed using the vehicle OBD (on-board diagnostics) port on your vehicle.
• Key fob being copied by third parties, such as valets, car washes etc.
THE TOP 10 MOST STOLEN VEHICLES IN THE UK
• MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
• BMW X5
• RANGE ROVER SPORT
• MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS
• BMW 3-SERIES
• LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
• RANGE ROVER AUTOBIOGRAPHY
• BMW M3
• VW GOLF
• AUDI RS4
General advice:
•Traditional methods remain the most effective; Steering wheel and gearstick locks particularly
•Fit a tracker to your vehicle (Ensure your security software is up to date)
•Take protective measures on your own property (poles, gates, CCTV)
•Be careful providing your key to valet services, car washes etc
•Try to park the vehicle in a well-lit and/or occupied areas
•Ensure you keep your key fobs safe when in public
•Keep personal belongings hidden within the car
Over 370,000 vehicles are stolen each year in the UK. That’s 7,115 a week and 1,013 every day!
Don’t let yours be one of them.
Source: Xpekt