A Wake-Up Call
Imagine waking up to an empty driveway. No broken windows, no signs of forced entry. Your luxury BMW, simply vanished. This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s a reality for an increasing number of car owners. The culprit? A sophisticated crime known as a 'relay attack'.
In this method, thieves use electronic devices to intercept and clone the signal from your key fob, which is often innocently sitting inside your home. Within minutes, your car is gone without a trace.
Spotting the Suspicious
Unlike the stereotypical car thief, these criminals often blend into the background. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Loitering: Individuals hanging around your property or car for extended periods.
- Electronic Gadgets: People using multiple electronic devices near your car or home.
- Recurring Appearances: The same person or vehicle repeatedly appearing in your vicinity.
Safeguarding Your Car
While it's disheartening, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect your vehicle:
- Key Control: Store your keys and fobs away from doors, windows, and any visible areas.
- Faraday Cage: Invest in a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday bag) to shield your key fob from interception.
- Disable Wireless: If possible, turn off the wireless signal on your key fob. Check your manual or consult your car manufacturer.
- Steering Wheel Lock: A physical deterrent can still be highly effective.
- Garage It Up: If you have a garage, use it.
- Strategic Parking: If you have multiple cars, park the more valuable one behind another.
- Protect Your OBD Port: Thieves can access your car's computer through the OBD port. Consider relocating it, using a protective cover, or upgrading your car's security system.
- Vehicle Tracker: While not a prevention method, a tracker can significantly increase the chances of recovering your stolen car.
Stay Informed
By understanding the methods used by car thieves and taking preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to this crime. Stay vigilant and protect your investment.
Excellent Resources
For some excellent advice and tips from the charity Crimestoppers that has been published this week, please click on the below link to access their information on Keyless Vehicle Theft. Their advice provides some excellent and sensible options to consider and potentially take to protect your vehicles with keyless entry systems from being stolen.
Crimestoppers - The Invisible Threat: The Rise in Keyless Vehicle Theft
