How to Stop Your Key Fob From Sending a Signal and Keep Your Vehicle Safe

Toyota and Lexus owners (maybe other keyless entry cars too - but test and check) can prevent broadcast of key signal to open and shut the car. It can also save your key fob battery.

The following video shows this in action. This works on Toyota having tested it on the vehicle.

Steps:

• To turn off your key fob, stand near your car and hold down the lock button. Then, press the unlock button twice. The red light on your key fob will flash. Now, let go of both buttons. Your car will no longer unlock or start.

• To turn your key fob back on, simply press the unlock button.

Here is some advice on how to keep your vehicle from being stolen by shutting off the broadcast of your key fob:

• Use a Faraday pouch. A Faraday pouch is a shielded bag that blocks electromagnetic waves. This means that it can prevent your key fob from sending a signal to your vehicle, making it impossible for thieves to steal it using a relay attack.
• Disable the keyless entry feature. Many vehicles have a keyless entry feature that allows you to unlock and start your vehicle without having to take the key fob out of your pocket or purse. This feature can be convenient, but it can also make your vehicle more vulnerable to theft. To disable the keyless entry feature, consult your vehicle's owner's manual.
• Park in well-lit areas. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles that are parked in well-lit areas. If possible, try to park your vehicle in a garage or in a well-lit area of a parking lot.
• Use a steering wheel lock. A steering wheel lock is a visible deterrent that can make your vehicle less appealing to thieves.
• Install a security system. A security system can alert you if someone is trying to steal your vehicle. It can also make it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle by disabling the engine or setting off a loud alarm.

Here are some additional tips for keeping your vehicle safe:

• Keep your vehicle locked. This may seem obvious, but many people forget to lock their vehicles.
• Don't leave valuables in your vehicle. Thieves are more likely to target vehicles that they think contain valuables, such as laptops, cell phones, and purses.
• Be aware of your surroundings. If you see something suspicious, report it to the police.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your vehicle from theft.

For more information search this blog, for example visit https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/search?q=faraday

Tips to prevent car thefts on the rise

Car Steering Wheel Lock

The borough has seen lots of cars being stolen and one of the good old fashioned ways to prevent this theft is to fit a steering wheel lock as shown in the image.

If you have keyless entry or smart key,  a Faraday pouch which has a RFID blocker as an anti-theft protection bag is also a great idea as shown in the image below.

Faraday pouch which has a RFID blocker

The above are easily available online (example Amazon - click on the caption links in the images shown above), however it is a good idea to shop around for the particular size and build quality to suit your car needs.

Make sure you lock your cars even on your drive, if you have auto-locking fobs do not leave them close to the front of your properties as they can be cloned. (this has happened to quite a few of Bexleys residents). Using the above measures makes it harder to have your car being stolen.

If you have a catalytic converter, check with your manufacturer on advice to prevent its theft.

Type in 'car theft' in the search box on this blog to find further help and advice on this subject.

Useful articles on it here at How to avoid keyless car theft and Best Faraday bag car key signal blockers 2021 and Car security: how to keep your car and driveway protected.

 

Keeping Our Streets Safe: Action on Vehicle Crime in Wansunt Road

A huge thank you to our dedicated local Safer Neighbourhood Team for taking swift action and organising a crucial street briefing on vehicle crime today on Wansunt Road. This vital initiative came about directly from concerns raised by residents who contacted Cllr Kurtis Christoforides and myself regarding the worrying rise in car theft in our area.

It's deeply concerning to hear that organised gangs are actively targeting our community, focusing on high-value vehicles or those sought after for their parts. These criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting keyless entry systems and even design vulnerabilities to silently steal vehicles, often without owners even realising until it's too late.

The briefing provided residents with invaluable insights into these methods and, more importantly, practical steps we can all take to protect our vehicles. While the fight against organised crime requires a multi-faceted approach, empowering ourselves with preventative measures is a crucial first line of defence.

Here are some of the key, small steps we can all implement to make our cars less appealing targets:

🔑 Shield Your Signals: Embrace the Faraday Bag

If your vehicle boasts keyless entry, investing in and consistently using a faraday bag is no longer a luxury – it's a necessity. These simple pouches are designed to block the electronic signals emitted by your car key fob. Thieves use sophisticated devices to amplify these signals, tricking your car into believing the key is present and allowing them to unlock and start the engine. By keeping your keys in a faraday bag (check pouches regularly for wear) when at home and even when out, you effectively create a barrier against this type of attack.

🔒 Add a Physical Deterrent: The Power of Steering Wheel Locks

Visible security measures can be a significant deterrent to opportunistic thieves. Steering wheel locks, whether the classic bar style or a more compact disk lock, make it physically challenging to steer the vehicle. While not impenetrable, they add a layer of inconvenience and time that thieves often want to avoid. Brands like Milenco are well-regarded, but exploring other reputable options is also worthwhile. For a more robust, albeit pricier, solution, consider a ghost immobiliser, which adds a unique, secret PIN code requirement before the car can be driven.

🏡 Fortify Your Home Perimeter: Consider Driveway Bollards

For those with driveways, installing bollards can act as a powerful physical barrier, preventing thieves from simply driving off with your vehicle. While this requires a more significant investment and installation, it offers a substantial level of security and peace of mind.

These are just a few immediate steps you can take to enhance your vehicle's security. For more comprehensive advice and information, I strongly encourage you to visit the Metropolitan Police website: www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/

The Safer Neighbourhood Team's proactive engagement is a testament to their commitment to our community's safety. By working together, sharing information, and taking these preventative measures, we can make Wansunt Road and the wider area a less appealing target for these criminal gangs.

If you have any concerns or further information to share, please don't hesitate to contact me at cameron.smith@bexley.gov.uk. Let's continue to support each other and our local police in keeping our streets safe and secure.

Source: Nextdoor

Don't Be a Victim: Protect Your Car from Keyless Theft

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
https://crimestoppers-uk.org/news-campaigns/news/2024/aug/the-invisible-threat-the-rise-in-keyless-vehicle-theft

Car Key Burglaries & Keyless Car Theft in Bexley Borough

Residents are being warned about a rise in car key burglaries and keyless car thefts in Bexley.

In recent weeks, there have been a number of incidents where criminals have targeted homes to steal car keys before driving off in the vehicles parked on driveways. These thefts are believed to be the work of organised crime gangs, and the Metropolitan Police are working hard to catch those responsible.

 

Here's what you can do to help protect yourself:

• Make it harder for burglars: Standard locks on UPVC and composite doors can be snapped very easily, allowing thieves entry in seconds. Consider upgrading to anti-snap locks. They're a significant deterrent and can significantly slow down or even prevent a break-in.
• Invest in CCTV: While not as effective as anti-snap locks, CCTV can deter criminals and capture suspicious activity.
• Secure your car keys: Don't leave them in plain sight near windows or letterboxes. Consider a key safe for added security.

Keyless Car Thefts:

If your car has a keyless entry system, check if there's a way to disable the signal when the car is locked. More importantly, use a combination of the following:

• Steering lock: A visible deterrent like a Disklok steering lock makes it much harder for thieves to steal your car.
• Faraday cage: Keep your car keys in a metal container, pouch, or a dedicated Faraday cage to block the signal and prevent relay attacks. Even a metal biscuit tin can work!

Summary of our advice:

• Download our advice (links below) for a full breakdown of these recommendations.
• Consider joining the Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch scheme. With over 1,700 members, you'll receive crime alerts and updates directly to your device. Your data is confidential and will never be shared with third parties.

By working together, we can make Bexley a less attractive target for these criminals.

For more information:

• https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2022/10/crime-prevention-security-advice.html
• https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2024/06/vehicle-crime-alert.html
• Local Borough locksmiths https://www.locksmiths.co.uk/find-a-locksmith/?location=Bexley%2C+UK&distance=30&service=2589&company=&form_access_hidden_field=
• The Era Fortress Door Cylinder (source - pdf)
  

Home Security Checklist (pdf)

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bs_5Nxk2nXp9RotRuqkPt7SNjEtOXAUI/view

Home Security (pdf)

• https://www.independentage.org/sites/default/files/2021-01/Advice-guide-Home-security_0.pdf
• Other UK info news https://kenilworthnwatch.com/2024/11/24/car-key-burglaries-keyless-car-theft-kenilworth/

Prevent Keyless Entry Car Theft: Essential Safeguards for 2024

Here are some tips on how to protect your car from keyless entry theft:

1. Store your key fobs in a signal-blocking pouch.

Opens in a new windowwww.amazon.co.uk

Signalblocking pouch for car keys

Signal-blocking pouches, also known as Faraday cages, block the radio signals emitted by your key fob, preventing thieves from amplifying the signal and unlocking your car. You can find Faraday pouches online or at most auto parts stores.

2. Disable keyless entry when you're not using your car.

Opens in a new windowwww.amazon.com

Disabling keyless entry on a car

Many cars with keyless entry have a setting that allows you to disable the feature. This is a good option if you're parking your car in a high-crime area or if you're going to be away from your car for an extended period of time.

3. Keep your spare key in a safe place that is not in your car.

Opens in a new windowwww.amazon.com

Spare key stored in a safe place

If a thief breaks into your car and steals your purse or wallet, they won't be able to steal your spare key if it's not in there. A good place to keep your spare key is at home with a trusted friend or family member.

4. Park in well-lit areas and close to security cameras.

Car parked in a well-lit area

Thieves are less likely to target cars that are parked in well-lit areas or close to security cameras. If possible, park your car in a garage or carport.

5. Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police.

https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/vehicle-safe-and-sound/

If you see someone acting suspiciously around your car, trust your gut and report it to the police. It's better to be safe than sorry.

By following these tips, you can help to deter keyless entry theft and keep your car safe.

Disable Keyless Entry on Kia, Hyundai & Genesis (For Theft Protection)

Disabling keyless entry on Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis models can be a helpful security measure. Here's how it might be done:

Using the Key Fob:

1. Lock the car using the key fob button.
2. Then, simultaneously hold down the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob for a few seconds (around 4-5 seconds).
3. If successful, the car's mirror lights should flash four times, indicating that keyless entry is now disabled.

Important Notes:

• This method might not work for all Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis models. It's best to consult your car's owner's manual for specific instructions on disabling keyless entry for your vehicle.
• Disabling keyless entry means you'll need to use the physical key on the fob to unlock the car doors.
• Unlocking the car with the physical key resets the keyless entry system, so you'll need to repeat the process if you want to disable it again.
• Starting the car will also typically re-enable the keyless entry system.

Alternative:

If your car doesn't have a way to disable keyless entry, consider using a signal-blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday bag, for your key fob. This can help prevent thieves from using relay attacks to steal your car.

• Mechanical deterrent
• Faraday key fob

Refer to your car's manual or consult your dealership for the most accurate and up-to-date information on disabling keyless entry for your specific Kia, Hyundai, or Genesis model.

02:24 How to avoid re-enabling Keyless entry

External links:

Guardian Gone in 20 Seconds article:-

• https://www.theguardian.com/money/2024/feb/24/smart-keys-car-crime-thieves-hi-tech-arms-race?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other 
• https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/24/revealed-car-industry-was-warned-keyless-vehicles-vulnerable-to-theft-a-decade-ago?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Stolen vehicle recovered - MetEngage Northumberland Heath

On Tuesday 31st March , officers from your local area discovered this Mitsubishi parked up in Becton Place. It was displaying false registration plates , with the real ones being shown as stolen. 

The vehicle was recovered and will be returned to the rightful owner. 

 A reminder for all to make sure you secure our vehicles by making sure they are locked , potentially investing in steering wheel locks. For keyless vehicles we highly recommend faraday boxes/pouches.

 

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/423451/Stolen-vehicle-recovered 

Local Priorities Theft Of Motor Vehicle Update - MetEngage Longlands

I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles,  which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Hello all,

Apologies its been a while since a message has been sent out.

Just a quick brief message. I'm starting to notice an slight increase in motor vehicle theft over the past few weeks on the Longlands ward. There has been three thefts of a motor vehicle in March and a few thefts from a motor vehicle.

Please stay vigilant and put in whatever measures you can to help prevent this.

Hopefully is just an anomaly for the month and we don't start seeing a steady increase.

Many thanks,

PCSO Haughey

We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe:  

• Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked.  

• Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door.  

• If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months.  

• Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space.  

• Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme.  

• Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others. 

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. 

We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/423241/Local-Priorities-Theft-Of-Motor-Vehicle-Update

Fortress on Four Wheels: Top Security Tips for Your Land Rover

Land Rovers, being luxury SUVs, are unfortunately attractive targets for thieves. Here are some steps you can take to deter them and improve your Land Rover's security:

Basic precautions:

• Always lock your car and double-check that it's locked using the key fob or by pulling on the handle.
• Park in well-lit areas at night and if possible, in a garage.
• Consider using a steering wheel lock or wheel clamp as a visible deterrent.

Key security:

• Land Rover key fobs use Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology that makes them harder to hack, but it's still wise to be cautious.
• Invest in a faraday pouch to block the signal from your key fob when not in use. This prevents relay attacks where thieves amplify the fob's signal to unlock the car from a distance.
• Avoid storing your keys near windows or doors where thieves can potentially scan for the signal.

Security upgrades:

• Land Rover offers a security upgrade for most vehicles purchased after 2018. Check with your dealership to see if yours is eligible.
• Consider installing a tracking device. GPS trackers can alert you if your car is moved and help authorities locate it in case of theft.
• Ghost immobilisers are another effective option. These prevent the engine from starting even if a thief bypasses the lock.

Land Rover features:

• Land Rover InControl Remote app allows you to see your car's location and even activate Guardian Mode for extra security.
• Some Land Rovers come with Secure Tracker which can notify you and the Stolen Vehicle Tracking Centre if your car is stolen.

By following these tips, you can make your Land Rover a less attractive target for thieves and increase your chances of recovering it if stolen.

Stolen Bikes found and recovered - MetEngage Slade Green and Northend

I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles,  which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Following information received of stolen motorbikes being stored in bike sheds on Rainbow Road, the team have conducted enquiries and recovered two stolen motorbikes. They have been seized as part of the investigation. Please report anything further to us as we will act on information from the community.

We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe:  

• Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked.  

• Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door.  

• If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months.  

• Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space.  

• Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme.  

• Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others. 

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. 

 We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/402187/Stolen-Bikes-found-and-recovered 

Vehicle Crime be on your guard from BBNWA

Thieves are targeting unlocked cars, especially these models

Many residents are making it easy for thieves by not locking their vehicles and leaving items of value in cars on show.

We also regularly hear of the inconvenience it causes and the items that were in the car at the time such as push chairs, kid’s games consoles, sports equipment etc.

Stolen cars are regularly used to commit other offences and can regularly end up in police pursuits putting lives at risk.

Studies show that over 40% of our daily tasks or actions are not conscious choices but habits and that we are able to turn routines into habits. Thieves know if certain models of car are unlocked as the wing mirrors remain out so you may as well leave a sign on the car – UNLOCKED !

We ask all vehicle owners over this summer period and beyond, please, let’s get the most basic crime prevention action into a habit and lock our vehicles, even get into the habit of double checking before we go to bed.

Unfortunately the following cars are still being stolen to order and targeted in high numbers across London and the counties. A new device on the market makes many of these Korean and Japanese SUV’s / PHEV’s extremely vulnerable and even the use of a faraday pouch / box will not prevent them from getting stolen. If you or any of your family and friends own one of these vehicles we would strongly recommend fitting a secondary physical security device such as a steering lock / pedal lock / OBD port lock or wheel clamp that is Sold secure / Secured by design (SBD) approved.

Newly Targeted

• Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Navara
• Kia Sportage and Kia Niro
• Hyundai Ionic and Hyundai Tucson
• Mitsubishi Outlander.

Current top two stolen cars

• Range Rover
• Ford Fiesta’s

Theft of Vehicle - MetEngage Barnehurst

This is to let you know that there has been theft of a Kia Sportage on Barnehurst this week.

 

We know the personal and financial impact of having a car or bike stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. We will continue to provide you updates on how we are tackling this issue in your local area, but in the meantime, please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe:  

 

Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked.  

Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door.  

If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months.  

Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space.  

Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme.  

Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others. 

 

Full advice and guidance on this, and other crime types is available on the Metropolitan Police website.

 

We hope the information above is useful and addresses to some degree the concerns that you have raised. If you have experienced this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. 

 

 We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/417834/Theft-of-Vehicle