Drivers urged to eliminate ‘biggest risk’ with £10 item

Experts warn that thieves are using something known as a “Relay Hack” to steal vehicles (Image: Getty)

An expert has issued an urgent warning to drivers as “keyless car theft is now one of the biggest risks to car owners”. Experts warn that thieves are using something known as a “Relay Hack” which they use to steal keyless cars in under 60 seconds. In fact, in the last 12 months nearly 70% of cars stolen were keyless models.

COO of Leasing Options, Mike Thompso warns that drivers need to be mindful as over the past 12 months between 60% and 70% of cars stolen were those of keyless models. So much so, there’s been 5000% surge increases for people searching “how to stop keyless car theft" over the last three months.

In the last 12 months nearly 70 % of cars stolen were keyless models (Image: Getty)

Under new laws criminals caught with the gadgets – including signal jammers – could face up to five years in prison. 

The Crime and Policing Bill has banned the possession, sale and distribution of electronic devices but despite this, keyless car theft is still on the rise.

Thompson said: “When criminals are trying to steal a keyless car, they use sophisticated technology, which involves manipulating short-range radio waves, to transmit a signal from your key to the technology in your car. 

“This can be done in a matter of seconds and means criminals can open your car door as normal, allowing them to enter and start the vehicle as normal.”

“It is worth noting that sometimes this can fail, if there is no signal or if it is blocked for whatever reason, criminals can have a hard time entering.

Experts advice storing your fob in a faraday pouch which costs less than £10 (Image: Getty)

Fortunately you can prevent keyless car theft with“ numerous steps to prevent failing victims of keyless car theft.”

Thompson advises: "When you are at home, try to store your key away from doors or windows. If you usually store your key in a bowl or on a hook near the front door, consider moving this upstairs to your bedroom. 

“One of the best ways to store a keyless fob is in a faraday pouch, a specialised bag designed to block electronic signals, these can typically be found online for less than £10 and come in a variety of sizes and styles.”

The car expert also advises turning off wireless signals and to consider additional safety features, such as the steering wheel lock.

"Investing in a steering wheel lock is a common method for preventing car theft and acts as a physical deterrent to discourage car theft by making it more difficult to drive the car away,” added Thompson.

Thompson continued: "Devices like air tags can help you track your vehicle should the worst happen and your car is stolen with a good place to hide them being in the lining of the back seats as criminals are unlikely to check for any types of goods.

"Residential parking posts are an ideal solution to making sure nobody can get your vehicle off the driveway. 

“They offer several benefits, including enhanced security by deterring theft and ram-raiding, they can also prevent unauthorised parking and potentially lower insurance premiums.”

Thompson added that “keyless theft is now one of the biggest risks to car owners and despite this, there are practical steps drivers can take to reduce their risk.”