Modern Car Theft Trends: Uncovering the Rise of Remote Key Hacking
Car thefts increasingly rely on key hacking methods, accounting for key footage in almost six out of every ten theft cases. Learn how to safeguard your vehicle from digital intrusion.
A chilling revelation has surfaced: Car key hacking has become the leading cause of vehicles thefts, new data indicates.
A whopping 60% of vehicles that have been stolen have been manipulated through some form of remote locking device trickery, as analyzed by RTA Law from Office of National Statistics data.
The data shows a monumental leap from April 2018 to March 2019, where only 13% of vehicle thefts were attributed to car key hacking, to April 2023 to March 2024, where a staggering 58% of cases were convincingly tied to this nefarious method.
In essence, car key hacking involves intercepting, copying, amplifying, or even replacing the wireless signals transmitted between a vehicle's remote key and its security system. Criminals often leverage gadgets to capture or boost the key's signal, enabling them to unlock or even start the vehicle without even being in possession of the original key.
Rod Mitchell, representative from RTA Law, expressed shock at the surge in car key hacking cases stating, "The fourfold increase in car key hacking cases is a major concern."
Signal Blocking: A Silent Defense
Signal blocking is a somewhat obscure yet increasingly vital defense against car thieves. This technique employs jammers to create a virtual barrier between the key and the vehicle, preventing the locking mechanism from functioning when the owner attempts to secure their vehicle with the key fob.
Keeping Up the Technological Cat and Mouse Game
Mitchell mused, "The rise in car key hacking cases mirrors the technological advancements in the automotive industry." He continued, "As technology contributes to evolutions, so too do the methods used by criminals to exploit these advancements and target people and their belongings."
Law Enforcement Responds: Stricter Penalties for Car Theft Tools Possession
In response to the escalating problem of car theft, it was announced earlier this year that those caught in possession of electronic gadgets commonly used in vehicle thefts could face imprisonment of up to five years. Previously, the law only permitted prosecution when there was concrete evidence that the device was employed in the commission of a crime.
Car-theft Prevention: Empowering the Vehicle Owner
Empowering vehicle owners with the necessary knowledge and tools is vital for combating car key hacking. Mitchell offered several recommendations:
- Signal block your keys - Invest in a signal-blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday pouch, to block electromagnetic signals between your keys and potential thieves, as a first line of defense.
- Keep keys away from windows - Store your car keys in a secure location, away from entry points like front doors or windows, to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Disable keyless entry when parked overnight or in high-risk areas - If your vehicle has keyless entry, disable this function, especially when parked overnight or in vulnerable areas.
The Best Anti-Car Key Theft Devices
For car owners seeking additional protection against remote car key hacking, there are several products available on the market:
- Faraday pouches - Faraday pouches online can be purchased for as little as £5, or from retailers like Halfords, offering affordable protection against wireless theft.
- Steering wheel locks - While seemingly unattractive, steering wheel locks and wheel clamps serve as a deterrent to even the most determined thieves. They can be found for around £25 to upwards of £200, making them accessible for most budgets.
- Car tracking devices - Install a tracking device, such as a Thatcham-approved device, to offer an additional layer of security. Tracking devices help increase the chances of your vehicle being recovered, should it be stolen. They range in cost from between £250 and £800 and utilize military-grade technology to locate the vehicle's whereabouts.
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- Keep keys away from windows - Keep your car keys in a secure location, ideally away from entry points like front doors or windows. Criminals often attempt to intercept key signals from outside your home, so placing your keys deeper inside your property creates an additional barrier.
- Disable keyless entry when parked overnight or in high-risk areas - If your vehicle has keyless entry, consider temporarily disabling this function, especially when parked overnight or in vulnerable areas. Many vehicles allow you to switch off keyless entry through the vehicle's onboard settings. If this isn't an option, consider adding a physical security layer, such as a steering wheel lock or immobilizer, to act as an effective deterrent even if the signal is compromised.
Technology in property has become a subject of interest in both general-news and crime-and-justice sectors, as the increase in car thefts due to remote key hacking demonstrates. Investigating anti-car key theft solutions such as signal blocking and Faraday pouches is essential for property owners to safeguard their vehicles against this growing threat, as suggested by Rod Mitchell from RTA Law.
