Beware Of These "Trends" Concerning Keyless Car Stolen
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How to Prevent Your Keyless Car From Being Stolen
Modern vehicles that are keyless are a popular target for thieves. The good news is that there are some simple deterrents that can be used to help.
Relay theft is a brand new technique used by tech-savvy thieves. Two thieves collaborate in order to gain access to the vehicle. They make use of an instrument that records the signal from your keyfob and then transmits it to your vehicle.
Keyless Car Theft
It's an amazing feeling to own a car with no keys however it can make your vehicle a target for theft. As with all new technologies criminals quickly learn to make use of their weaknesses. However, there are steps you can do to to keep your vehicle from being stolen, without having to force access.
In the past, thieves who wanted to steal vehicles had to either get keys to it or hotwire it. They now have the ability to use sophisticated technology to hack keyless cars and even start them up. 92% of the cars recovered by UK car security firm Tracker in 2019 were stolen this way.
Criminals can take advantage of this technology by utilizing electronic signal relay devices that snoop on the signal transmitted from the vehicle's keyfob. These devices can be bought on the internet for as low as PS80. The devices can then send the identical signal to nearby vehicles and make them unlock and then turning off the devices.
After the car has been started, the thief can drive off without leaving any trace. Keyless car theft has increased due to. In the US the theft of cars that are keyless could account for as much as 65% all car thefts. This can result in an increase in insurance premium.
Although specific information about keyless car theft is difficult to come by however, it is safe to say that cars equipped with push-to-start ignition systems are more likely to be targeted than vehicles that require a physical key to enter the ignition. Other factors that can impact the vulnerability of a vehicle include its popularity with thieves, its brand and model and security protocols.
Despite the efforts of manufacturers to close these loopholes certain keyless cars are more vulnerable to attack than other. Thatcham Research 2020 conducted a study to determine the resistance of a range of models against theft via keyless. They rated them as Basic, Poor or Superior based on the extent to which they were able to withstand this tactic. It is important to take extra precautions when your car is equipped with keyless start or entry features.
What happens?
As cars become more advanced and sophisticated, thieves have been devising methods to break into them. The technology used to steal keyless vehicles intercepts signals and "hacks" the fob to allow access to the car. The risk is especially high for luxury vehicles that are newer. The latest data from the Home Office show that keyless entry accounts for roughly half of the vehicle thefts that occur in England. It is interesting to note that older models that have a proximity key, but do not have a button that can be used to start the vehicle have also been frequently targeted by thieves.
There was a time when criminals had to break into your car via the door or window however, the advent of keyless and remote locking ignition systems meant they could do it from the distance. The thieves have devised devices that pick up the signal from your key fob and amplify it before sending it to an emulator- basically a fake key. The device mimics the signal of your car key and allows you to unlock and begin your vehicle.
The CBC says that this type of hacking is on the rise, with thieves able to get into cars and take them for themselves in under 20 seconds. This is because keyless systems don't require the driver to keep their fob in their pocket or in their hand.
Two years ago in Toronto, a man discovered his Toyota RAV4 ripped apart and its headlights removed not just twice, but just once within three months. He realized that this wasn't just vandalism, but a part of a sophisticated technique for stealing keys from vehicles.
These thieves work in teams and are known as "relay attackers." One person is equipped with a relay amplifier, while another is armed with a device that can pick up your car's remote control signal and then transmit it to the amplified device. This could trick your car into believing that your key fob was nearby which allows it to open the doors and then drive away.
Some drivers install security systems that are made available by the market to prevent this. However, the best defense is to keep your key fob inside a metal container, or the signal-blocking pouch, like a faraday box. These are available online at affordable prices.
Deterrents
Modern thieves employ sophisticated tools to intercept the signal sent by key fobs. If they are able to get this, they can duplicate it to unlock the car, and then start the engine. The best way to stop thieves is to ensure that the key fob does not remain within the reach of the vehicle while it is parked in the garage. You could also consider storing the key in an e-bag or container to prevent its signal from being detected. You can also buy a tracking device that does not stop the car from being stolen, but will assist in locating it after.
Two criminals working together to steal your vehicle from the outside is among the most alarming kinds of car burglaries that don't require keys. One of the thieves is near the check here car they want to steal with an electronic transmitter that picks the signal from the owner's original digital key fob, and then sends it to a second box which is placed near, or held in, the vehicle being targeted. The car was tricked into thinking that the owner had relocked the door and had pressed the lock. The other thief then drives off in the vehicle.
Some experts suggest expensive aftermarket security systems to deter this kind of crime. However, these aren't always effective and can be easily defeated if criminals have the right knowledge and technology. The best option is to invest in deterrents that will make the job of stealing your vehicle more difficult for thieves, such as a steering wheel lock which makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car.
You can also install motion detection lights around your garage and home which will be lit up to keep thieves away, and CCTV cameras, which will help to capture footage of criminals performing the act. Another effective, yet simple, deterrent is to park your car in a visible, well-lit area. This will discourage thieves, who are more likely to be opportunists, not targeted thieves, from trying to steal your vehicle.
Think about buying a keyless lock that only the owner of the vehicle has the security code. This system is only available on some newer vehicles and requires an expert installation, however it's worth the investment because it makes your car much less attractive to thieves.
Prevention
It is becoming increasingly essential for owners of vehicles, as the incidence of theft through keyless keys rises, to implement effective preventative measures. These may include storing smart keys in the Faraday pouch or box when not in use. These items come with a metallic lining that blocks radio signals, thus stopping thieves from intercepting and copying them. Installing an immobilizer or steering lock is a different method of deterring thieves. It can also physically block the steering wheel from turning or the engine from being started, should they be able to get around the keyless entry system.
Another strategy involves parking the car in a secure area, away from windows and doors. This can make thieves think twice and make it difficult for them to recognize the owner of the car. Additionally, etching the VIN on the headlights and windows can also serve as a deterrent, since it makes cloning stolen vehicles much more difficult.
Dealerships can help to prevent theft of cars with keys by implementing stringent security measures. In addition to perimeter fencing and a designated car storage area, dealerships should train their employees on the importance of vigilance and implementing the best practices for key inventory and vehicle handling. Dealerships should also conduct regular audits of their inventory to identify any discrepancies.
In some cases, thieves attempt to evade security features built into the car by using an electronic device that plugs into the vehicle's computer. These devices are usually plugged into the diagnostic port, which is typically located in the front footwell of many cars. The thieves can then program the blank key fob to unlock the vehicle and begin it without the owner's permission.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to reduce the risk of being a victim of keyless car theft. Some of these include preventing criminals from tapping into your vehicle's computer using shielded antennas, removing or concealing any electronics inside the car, and storing the key fob in the Faraday pouch or box. You could also install a GPS tracker or an immobilizer to increase the chance of locating your car after it's stolen and assist police in catching the criminals responsible. Contact an auto electric expert to find out which preventative measures are best for you and your vehicle.