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

Disable Keyless Entry on Your Mercedes Now! (Safe and Easy Guide)

To disable keyless entry on your Mercedes Benz car. There are two main ways to achieve this, depending on whether you want a temporary or permanent solution:

Temporary disable:

This is the simpler option and can be done with most Mercedes models by double-clicking the lock button on your key fob. This disables the key's signal for a short period, typically until the car is unlocked again. Remember, you'll need to use the physical key to unlock the car next time.

Permanent disable (for individual key):

This method completely disables the keyless entry function for a specific key fob. It's a bit more involved and requires following the specific steps for your car model. Here are some resources that can help:

• Mercedes-Benz owner's manual: Consult your car's manual for detailed instructions on disabling keyless entry. The process can vary depending on the model and year.
• Online resources: Search for "disable keyless entry Mercedes [your model year]" to find specific guides and video tutorials.
• Mercedes-Benz dealership: Your local dealership can also assist you with this process.

Important things to consider before disabling keyless entry:

• Security: While disabling keyless entry can offer some peace of mind, it's not a foolproof security measure. Other methods like keeping your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch can also be effective.
• Convenience: Remember that you'll need to use the physical key to lock and unlock the car every time with keyless entry disabled.
• Warranty: Depending on your car's warranty, modifying the keyless entry system might void it. It's best to consult your dealership before proceeding.

Hope this information helps! Remember, it's crucial to follow the correct instructions for your specific model to avoid any complications. If you're unsure about any step, it's always best to consult a professional.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLs7L8M8hF4

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.

Protect Your Pride and Joy: Top 3 Anti-Theft Tricks for Keyless Cars:

This video reveals 3 effective strategies to deter car thieves targeting your keyless entry vehicle:

1. Block the Signal:

• Tin Box Fortress: Simply store your key fob in a metal box or Faraday pouch to create a signal-blocking shield. This budget-friendly method disrupts communication between your key and the car, preventing unauthorized unlocking.

2. Go Old-School:

• Disable Keyless Entry: Most manufacturers offer a built-in option to temporarily disable keyless entry. Utilize this feature for added security in vulnerable situations like crowded parking lots.

3. Stay Informed:

• Consult Your Manual: Every car is different! Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on disabling keyless entry and exploring other security features on your model.

By implementing these simple tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of keyless car theft and enjoy peace of mind knowing your vehicle is secure.

PROTECT YOUR CAR (AND MOTORCYCLE) – LEAVE IT LOCKED, LIT AND EMPTY

Due to Covid-19 and repeated lockdowns, people aren’t using their cars as much as they used to. However, car crime remains a pressing problem in the UK – alarmingly, one car is stolen every ten minutes.

Whilst we can't always prevent it there are simple steps we can all take to reduce our chances of becoming a victim of car crime. 

Leave your car locked
A simple mistake that can prove calamitous: 44% of cars were broken into via an unlocked door.
 
Leave your car well-lit
80% of car crime occurs during the evening or at night. Parking near streetlamps or in a busy area can deter thieves.
 
Leave your car empty or with no items on show
Owners often forget that personal belongings within the car are at as much risk of being stolen as the car itself.

TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CAR SAFE

Following 3 simple steps (leave your car locked, well-lit, and empty) will help to keep your car safe, but there are further steps you could take:

• * Store car ownership information at home, not in your car
• * Secure number plates with anti-theft screws available from car accessory stores
• * Keep your car keys out of sight in your home 
• * Use a Sold Secure www.soldsecure.com approved anti-theft device on your car. You can search for suppliers on www.securedbydesign.com 
• * When parking in a car park, look for a ‘Park Mark’ www.parkmark.co.uk indicating the car park meets recognised security levels 
• * Fit locking, anti-tamper wheel nuts to secure alloy wheels
• * Secure items outside of your vehicle. Anything left on roof-racks, tailgate racks, holiday top boxes or in tool chests are easily stolen when the vehicle is parked. The use of cable locks, padlocks and self-locking tools chests, which are secured to the vehicle, makes them more secure, but still, don’t leave things in them if you can avoid it.

Protect your car flyer (pdf)

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT

Catalytic converters are targeted because of the precious metals that they are made with, namely rhodium, platinum and palladium. Thieves simply cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe of a parked car and sell them on to scrap metal dealers. Taller vehicles are more vulnerable as the catalytic converters are easier to access.

To reduce the risk of having your catalytic converter stolen you could

1. 1) Purchase anti-theft products such as Catloc - a Sold Secure approved product (how to prevent catalytic convert theft here)
2. 2) Park to restrict access to the underneath of the car
3. 3) Ask your dealer to weld the catalytic converter to the car
4. 4) Fit a tilt alarm
5. 5) Register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of

For more information on catalytic converter theft, have a look at this BBC One Inside Out Catalytic Converter Theft video

KEYLESS CAR THEFT

Keyless car theft – also known as relay theft –is relatively simple.  With a relay amplifier and a relay transmitter, a thief can detect whether the car has keyless entry. Working in pairs they identify a house with a car parked nearby and one person stands by the car with a transmitter, while a second waves an amplifier around the perimeter of the house. If the car key is close enough the amplifier will detect its signal, amplify it, and send it to the accomplice’s transmitter.

This transmitter then effectively becomes the key, and tricks the car into thinking the real key is nearby. The thieves can then open the car, get in and drive away.

The whole process can take as little as 60 seconds and can be completed in near silence.

TOP TIPS TO AVOID KEYLESS THEFT

To avoid keyless car theft remember DISTANCE, SIGNAL, STEERING WHEEL.

• KEEP KEYS A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE CAR: Keeping keys far away from doors and windows. This will minimise the chances a thief will be able to find and amplify the key’s signal and is general good practice.
• BLOCK  OR TURN OFF THE SIGNAL: Consider purchasing a Faraday pouch to keep your car key in. These pouches contain signal-blocking materials that stop your key transmitting its code, preventing crooks from being able to detect and amplify the signal. Check your manual or speak to your dealer to find out if your key can be switched off
• STEERING WHEEL LOCK: Consider using a steering wheel lock, a driveway parking post, or even a wheel clamp

For more information and further tips look at this 'Keyless could be Carless' information sheet from West Yorkshire Police. (pdf)

PROTECT YOUR MOTORCYCLE, MOPED or SCOOTER

To protect you motorcycle, moped or scooter remember LOCK, CHAIN, COVER.

LOCK: use a disc lock to help secure the front brake disc, or a grip lock to secure the brake and throttle controls. You could also use a D lock on the front wheel to stop it being wheeled away.

CHAIN: Use a chain lock through the back wheel (the front wheel can be removed). Chain your bike to something heavy, even when in a garage. You can fit specific attachments to lock your bike to at home.

COVER: Thieves often ‘shop’ for particular bike models. Using a cover instantly makes it less attractive to them. A cover also provides another time consuming obstacle for the thief.

For more information on LOCK, CHAIN, COVER see the Protect your motorcycle page from Met Police.

Further tips

• * Set its alarm if it has one
• * Use a designated motorcycle parking place with a stand and security loop if you can
• * Mark your motorbike with its vehicle identification number
• * Add a ‘kill switch’ which prevents the start button from working unless pressed
• * Never leave loose items such as helmets or other possessions with your bike

Reporting a crime

If you are unlucky and have been a victim of crime you can report it in several ways:

• If it’s an emergency and the crime is still taking place, call 999 and ask for the police.
• If it’s not an emergency, do not call 999. This doesn’t mean the crime is not important – it just helps the police to make the best use of their resources. Many police forces use the 101 non-emergency number, so you can ring that number instead.
• You can go to your local police station and report the crime there. You can find the address and telephone number in the local telephone directory or online. Check what time your local police station is open, as not all stations are open all the time.
• If you have information regarding a crime and don’t want to talk to the police, contact the charity Crimestoppers online or call 0800 555 111. You will remain 100% anonymous. Always.

Please note: Neighbourhood Watch does not take reports of crime.

Following a crime

• Prevent others becoming a victim: Tell your Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator: They can warn others in your area of the crime whilst keeping your confidentiality if you wish. The quicker you act, the sooner you might stop someone else becoming a victim. 
• Support for yourself: If you have been affected by crime and need confidential emotional support or advice on what to do next, you can contact Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111.

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/

Lock Down Your Land Rover: Disabling Keyless Entry in Seconds

Want added security for your Range Rover? Disabling keyless entry is a quick and easy process using your key fob. Here's how:

1. Open the driver's door. Time is of the essence! You have 3 seconds to complete the next steps.
2. Rapidly press the headlight button three times. Don't delay!
3. Immediately press the unlock button once. That's it! Keyless entry is now disabled.

Turning it back on? Simply repeat the process, but press the lock button instead of the unlock button.

Remember: Consult your owner's manual for the most up-to-date instructions specific to your Range Rover model and year.

Additional Tips:

• Disabling keyless entry can be helpful in crowded areas or when storing your vehicle for extended periods.
• You can always unlock your car manually with the key fob or the physical key, even with keyless entry disabled.
• For other car models, consult your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions.