Key hacking now behind three in five car thefts - here's how to protect your motor

Daily Mail​

12-05-2025

Car key hacking is now behind the majority of thefts, new figures show.
Three in five vehicles stolen are now broken into this way, analysis of Office of National Statistics data by RTA Law has found.
The percentage of vehicles thefts caused by someone manipulating the signal from a remote locking device has rocketed from 13 per cent between April 2018 and March 2019 to 58 per cent between April 2023 and March 2024.
Car key hacking is achieved by intercepting, copying, amplifying or replacing wireless signals sent between a vehicle's remote key and its security system.
Usually, criminals will use devices designed to capture or boost the key's transmitted, allowing them to unlock or even start the vehicle without physical access to the original key.
Rod Mitchell from RTA Law said the quadrupling of car key hacking cases is shocking.
He said: 'The change in entry mirrors the advancement in technology in the motor industry. As technology changes, so does the way criminals pry on people and their possessions.
'It really shows that we always need to be thinking one step ahead when technological advances take place to keep ourselves and our belongings safe.'
It comes after it was announced in February that anyone caught with sophisticated electronic gadgets used in car thefts face up to five years in prison under a new law to crackdown on hi-tech vehicle crime.
Before people could only be prosecuted if there is proof that they have used them to commit a crime.
The Crime and Policing Bill introduced to Parliament a ban on the possession, sale and distribution of gadgets such as signal jammers and relay devices, which are deployed by organised gangs of motor thieves to target high-value vehicles.
These are behind the recent surge in car thefts, with criminals able to use technology to steal motors without needing the key or raising the alarm to the owner.
Signal jammers are used predominantly in car parks to prevent drivers from being able to lock their vehicles to provide clear access for thieves.
Relay devices have become an even greater problem for motorists and police, with gangs able to use them to extend the signal of a car key inside someone's home so the vehicle car be unlocked and driven away without detection.
One car was pinched every eight and a half minutes last year in Britain, so the aim is that the new laws will stop these devices getting into the hands of criminals.
Anyone caught with a wireless jammer like this and is suspected of using it to steal vehicles could face up to five years in prison under the new laws introduced in February
The most common methods of car key hacking
Criminals manipulating the signal from a locking device was the most common method of entry.
The second most common method of entry was 'using a key or electric fob' – 18 per cent of cases.
But this has dropped significantly from April 2018 to March 2019 when it made up 33 per cent of cases.
An 'offender forcing a car's lock' was the third most common method, amounting to 13 per cent of cases in April 2023 to March 2024.
The 'door not being locked', and 'other' came fourth, both at 5 per cent, followed by 'offender broke window / tried to' at 4 per cent.
The 'window being left open', and 'offender forced / broke / bent / prised door', came last, with very few cases.
How can you keep your car safe from key hacking?
1. Signal block your keys
Rod Mitchell says the first step is to signal-block your devices.
'Use a signal-blocking pouch or container. Investing in a quality signal-blocking pouch, commonly known as a Faraday pouch, is an excellent first line of defence.
'These pouches block electromagnetic signals between your keys and potential criminals, preventing relay attacks where thieves amplify and mimic your key's signal.
'Simply placing your keys inside the pouch when not in use significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access to your vehicle'.
The same advice applies to your spare keys.
2. Keep keys away from windows
The second is to store keys away from doors and windows.
'Keep your car keys in a secure location, ideally away from entry points like front doors or windows.
'Criminals often attempt to intercept key signals from outside your home, so placing your keys deeper inside your property creates an additional barrier.
'It also decreases the likelihood of thieves detecting your keys' signals, significantly enhancing your vehicle's security.'
3. Disable keyless entry when parked overnight
The third and last tip is to disable or secure keyless entry features when possible.
'If your vehicle has keyless entry, consider temporarily disabling this function, especially when parked overnight or in vulnerable areas.
'Many vehicles allow you to switch off keyless entry through the vehicle's onboard settings.
'If this isn't an option, consider adding a physical security layer, such as a steering wheel lock or immobiliser, to act as an effective deterrent even if the signal is compromised.'
The best anti-car key theft devices to buy
You can buy a Faraday pouch online for as little as £5, or from a retailer like Halfords.
Metal tins and boxes will also provide similar protective levels.
A simple steering wheel lock or wheel clamp might look ugly but are a great tool to deter even the hardiest criminals with the most tech.
They will act as a visual deterrent for thieves who will likely avoid them.
Steering wheel locks can range from around £25 to up to £200, but even the most basic version of a Stoplock will go a long way.
Installing a tracker system in your vehicle, such as a Thatcham approved device, offers an extra layer of security.
Many new cars come with this level of security.
A tracking device won't stop your vehicle being stolen, but it significantly increases the chances of the police recovering and returning it to you.
They cost from between £250 and £800 and the most secure use military-grade tech to locate the whereabouts of cars.