With recent figures showing a stark rise in car thefts over the last year, insurers are highlighting the new wave of high-tech methods now being used to steal cars.
Despite the advanced security systems and technology on modern cars, criminals are now turning to techniques that disrupt these very systems – meaning breaking into a car can take as little as a few seconds.
The issue noted by industry experts is key cloning and relay theft. So, motorists are being advised to turn back to old-school methods of protecting a vehicle, such as steering wheel locks and, of course, not leaving valuables in the car.
Of course, if your car is stolen, there’s not just the hassle of sorting out the problem, motorists also bare the brunt of higher policy prices as insurance premiums start to creep up. Insurers are warning that this trend of car thefts could spiral and cause further cost implications to everyone, not just the people affected.
Solving this issue isn’t just a simple fix. Thieves are more savvy and scrupulous, especially when armed with technology to overcome your onboard security. Plus, with the second-hand car market flourishing, they know which cars are likely to fetch more money once they’re acquired.
Recent figures Land Rovers most at risk of thefts
Alongside the latest figures in overall car thefts in the UK, analysis has been conducted on the type of cars most often targeted. Land Rover is a brand that tops the list for car thieves, particularly top-end Range Rovers. This is followed by Mercedes-Benz models. However, it’s not just the brand that sticks out in statistics, cars with colours that stick out in the crowd are most likely to be targeted rather than the bright, unique options.
So, what are the high-tech methods they’re using, and how can you prevent your vehicle from being a target?
Growing intelligence in this area has highlighted that organised crime gangs are using something called relay technology to steal cars, often right off your driveway.
What is a relay attack?
Modern cars are kitted out with various technologies for driver convenience, extra safety and improved security. One of these is keyless entry. Now, you’d think it’d be pretty hard to break into a car with this tech. But criminals now have the means to exploit this system, break into the car, and drive it away without your actual key fob.
How does it work?
In most cases, thieves work in pairs or groups to gain access to your key fob signal. They use a device that picks up signal from your car and the other from your fob, which could be in your house. As many people leave their keys by front entrances and windows, they don’t even need to break into your home to gain access to the car.
A signal is transferred between the devices of each criminal, and the fob relays the message as it would if you were close to the car, basically fooling it into opening. A second relay is then transmitted to gain access to the transmission. This all happens in a matter of minutes, and the thieves drive away without anyone realising it.
Unfortunately, many brands and models are susceptible to this technology, and a test conducted by the Daily Mail highlighted that even with devices purchased from the net, you could easily hack cars’ keyless entry systems.
What can you do to stop relay attacks?
Use a key fob signal blocker
There are specialised wallets available for purchase that block electronic signals to protect your car. This is an inexpensive way to protect your vehicle.
Check it’s locked properly
Keyless locks are a handy feature to have, but sometimes it’s easy to walk away assuming the car is locked behind you. Be sure to double-check, as many criminals will try the doors just in case.
Keep keys away from doors and windows
Storing your keys away from main access points is an ideal deterrent. Unfortunately, many relay attacks occur as keys are left in close proximity to entrances and windows.
Add traditional security
Steering locks are returning to cars as a handy way to stop thieves in their tracks. However, there are also other ways to deter opportunists, such as wheel clamps and foldable bollards on your driveway.
Install a ghost immobiliser
This is another layer of protection that is used alongside your car’s immobiliser and requires an access code to start the vehicle.
Install a tracking device
While this device won’t stop the theft from happening, it’s more likely to give you an idea of where the car ends up, and the information can be handed to the police.
What are the police doing about relay attacks and increased car thefts?
Given the increase in stolen cars across the UK, the police are using more advanced tactics to catch criminal gangs using these methods. For example, in 2021, a group from Liverpool were sentenced after a spree of organised car thefts took place across the region. This is just one case among many others where high-value assets were stolen, and police conducted specific operations to bring them to justice.
It’s not just the police that are stepping up methods to catch criminals – the government is releasing new guidelines for car manufacturers to improve security. The measures also include autonomous vehicles as part of the Autonomous and Electric Vehicles Act.
The Transport Minister stated, “We need to make sure that the designs of the vehicles in the first place are completely cyber-secure so that people can’t break into them, they can’t steal them, and more importantly, they can’t hack them to potentially cause accidents.”
Some car manufacturers are already taking steps to up security features. For example, Ford recently announced some of its models would include a ‘sleep mode’ to reduce relay attacks.
For more news and motoring updates, check out our blog.
