Preventing Keyless Car Theft

Don't let thieves get an easy ride. Follow this simple advice to help better protect your car.

Keep the keys safe

Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox.

Keyless entry

Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry.

Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.

Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.

 How to protect your keyless entry car

  • When at home keep your car key (and the spare) away from the car, doors and windows
  • Put your keys in a signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag
  • Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used
  • Use a steering wheel lock or car alarm
  • Park in your garage overnight, if you don’t have a garage park close to your home
Don’t let thieves get an easy ride. - When at home keep your car (and the spare key) well away from the car. - Put your keys in a signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag. - Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car. - Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used

Keyless car theft in action

The CCTV footage shows a keyless car theft in action. Thieves used the technology to steal a car which is parked in the driveway of a home. In a matter of seconds, they gained access and drove off.

Keyless car theft in action

Double-check electronic locking

Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away.

If unsure, lock it manually, then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around. If a potential thief who’s watching feels they’ve been spotted, they’ll probably move off.

Secure your port

Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can unlock and start your vehicle. If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.