In recent months, many communities including Chislehurst have seen a troubling rise in car thefts, particularly targeting vehicles with keyless entry systems. You may have heard of thieves using a “scanner” or “relay device” to steal a car right from a driveway, often in under a minute and without breaking a window. How exactly does this work? More importantly, what can you do to stop it?
How do Keyless Car Theft Works
Modern cars often use a convenient system where the key fob doesn’t need to be inserted, as long as it’s near the car, the doors can be unlocked, and the engine can be started. Thieves have figured out how to exploit this with a relay attack.
- Two criminals work together. One stands near the house, trying to detect the signal from the key fob inside.
- Using a relay amplifier, they boost the signal and send it to an accomplice standing next to the car.
- The car receives the relayed signal, thinks the key is present, and unlocks.
- The thief can now start the engine and drive away, often reprogramming the car to accept a new key, making recovery even harder.
- There’s no broken glass, no blaring alarms and in some cases, the owner doesn’t even realise the car is gone until hours later.
Why It’s So Effective
These thefts rely on the fact that most people keep their key fobs near their front door or hallway, which makes it easier for the relay device to pick up the signal through walls or windows. The crime is quiet and quick, it’s hard for neighbours or CCTV to catch the act in progress.
How to Protect Your Vehicle
There are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Store your keys away from entry points. Keep them at the back of your house or upstairs, not on a hook by the front door.
- Use a Faraday pouch or box. These inexpensive accessories block the key’s signal when it’s not in use.
- Consider turning off keyless entry. Some car manufacturers allow you to disable this feature, check your manual or ask your dealer.
- Use visible deterrents. In some cases, a steering wheel lock, wheel clamp, or security post can make your car a far less attractive target.
- Install home security. Motion-sensor lights, cameras, and video doorbells can act as both a deterrent and useful evidence if needed, as soon in these videos.
- Update your car’s software. Some manufacturers release updates to improve security.
If You See Suspicious Activity
If you witness suspicious behaviour, such as individuals lingering near driveways, carrying scanning devices, or attempting to interact with parked cars.
Do not approach. Always put your own safety first, vehicles are replaceable! Report the incident immediately to the police by calling 999.
For non-emergencies or to report suspicious activity after the fact, you can call 101 or submit information online.
For further information click here. https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-the-police/report-a-crime-incident/
Your report could help prevent further crimes and assist in ongoing investigations.
Cllr Mike Jack
Cllr Mark Smith
Cllr Alison Stammers