Protecting Your Car from Keyless Theft

---

Keyless Theft Can Leave You Carless

Smart devices make our lives more convenient and new technology evolves in the blink of an eye. Auto technology has changed the way we drive, keyless entry has made locking and starting our cars much easier. The fob sends short-ranged signals which automatically unlocks or locks the door…no more metal keys jangling in your pocket or purse.

While we enjoy keyless “smart” cars, car thieves have also become smarter in their tactics. Because smart auto technology is so common keyless vehicle theft is on the rise. When thieves exploit tech vulnerabilities it can take less than 60 seconds to for them to take your car.

Here are some keys to understanding current keyless theft methods and tips to prevent your vehicle from being stolen.

Key Cloning

This method is more involved because it requires someone to have access to your key. This could happen at a garage, car wash, or when you valet your car. Thieves clone your key onto a blank key. They then find your address or follow you home – and wait for the right time to take your car.

Relay Theft

Relay theft is probably the most common way thieves steel keyless entry vehicles. Wireless technology makes it easier for us to lock and start our cars – and because the fob is constantly emitting a signal, it makes it easier for thieves too.

Cars parked outside are vulnerable to relay theft because a team of thieves can find and transmit your key fob’s signal. One uses small amplifier device to pick up the fob signal from inside your home. The second uses a transmitter which mimics the amplified signal and tricks the car’s mechanism as the thief was using the actual fob. Your vehicle can then be started and driven away.

How relay theft happens

_{^{Diagram from Car Pro Reviews}}

Devices for this technology is available online and is a reason keyless car theft is on the rise.

Some vehicles have built motion sensor technology into the key fob. The sensor will go into sleep mode and stops transmitting its signal if it doesn’t detect recent movement. Check with your car dealer for a possible upgrade to your fob.

Signal Blocking or Signal Jamming

Thieves use signal jammers to prevent you from locking your car. You press the fob button thinking the door is locked the but jammer stops the lock from engaging. This method is effective in areas with a lot of background noise that masks the clicking when a lock fails.

Even though technology seems infallible, double check your car door and make sure it’s locked.

How to Beat Car Thieves

Beating car thieves means making your vehicle harder for thieves to get to. Doing little things that add time to taking your car creates hassles for thieves. Making things more difficult for criminals is always a deterrent because they want an easy target.

• In your home, keep your keys (traditional or fob) away from door and windows.
• Use a radio frequency identification (RFID) pouch to store your keys and block its signal to prevent hacking into the system.
• When you park, roll your windows up (including your sun or moon roof), keep valuables out of site or take them with you and always lock your doors and windows when you leave your car.
• Park in your garage if you have one; next best thing is your driveway. Thieves are less likely to want to come too close to your home. A driveway with a motion-activated flood light is even better, both for your car and your home security.
• Park head-in; backing into your driveway will make it easier for thieves to get away with your car.
• Park in a well-lit spot with the wheels turned toward the curb. Same for public areas.
• Park near other vehicles rather than in an isolated spot when parking in a public lot.
• Use a steering wheel lock, gear shift lock or a pedal lock. Some models lock the steering wheel and others attach between the steering wheel and brake pedal.
• Installing aftermarket immobilizers makes relay theft more difficult to execute. They require unique actions to start your vehicle and often use encrypted signals. Make sure to keep the software up-to-date.
• Always physically double check your for when you leave your car.

Auto manufacturers are being urged to address security concerns and vulnerabilities in their vehicles. But as technology is ever-evolving, so are auto theft techniques. While you enjoy the modern conveniences of your smart car, use some good old-fashioned common sense and maybe a few retro security tactics to protect your car from keyless theft.

Rapid International Offers Community Solutions

Safety, Community, Together. Rapid International provides security services, including staffed areas and patrol services, prioritizing neighborhood-based security in collaboration with your community. Rapid’s management has extensive experience in the security industry and in each city, we build partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency service agencies. Together with community members, we work to make people and communities safe and secure.

Please get in touch to learn about our community-level security program – we believe the strength of collaboration and partnership make neighborhoods safer for everyone. In Georgia, call: (706) 844-2586, in California call: (213) 364-1394 or email us at info@therapidway.com.

True prevention is not waiting for things to happen, it’s preventing things from happening in the first place.

Don McPherson – Activist, Educator, Feminist, Entrepreneur, College Football Hall of Famer

IG: rapidgroup.ga | Linked In: Rapid International Group, Inc.

Photograph courtesy: AI-generated image by Firefly