Precautions to prevent keyless vehicle theft

De Wet De Villiers

Precautions to prevent keyless vehicle theft

~ Courtesy Hollard

The theft of high-end vehicles featuring keyless entry and push-button starting is on the rise in South Africa. According to Tracker’s latest Vehicle Crime Index, that covers January to June 2022, the increase can partly be attributed to more cars on the road as well as the ingenuity of criminals and crime syndicates. The index shows that keyless access theft seems to be the preferred method.

Hollard explains that the theft of keyless entry models occurs when the system is “tricked” into thinking a key is present through a transmitter and receiver device. 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 the fob is inside your home. These thefts are known as “relay attacks” and can be done easily if you don’t take the necessary preventative action.

How to protect your keyless entry car:

When at home, keep your car key (and the spare) far away from the car and away from entry points, to make it harder for thieves to pick up the signal. Consider parking where there are outdoor motion detectors/CCTV.
Put the keys in a blocking pouch, such as a Faraday bag. The pouch is lined with a metallic material that isolates the fob’s radio frequency and prevents its transmission to relay devices used by car thieves.
Re-programme your keys when you have purchased a second-hand car.
Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it is not being used. Most models which come with a keyless fob can have the wireless signal manually turned off.
Consider using a steering wheel/gear lock or alarm

We urge vehicle users to please continue to be vigilant. Always be aware of your surroundings and the possible scenarios that could play out as you make your way to your destination. If possible, use an app or digital platform to share your journey with a family member, colleague, or friend that can notify authorities timeously should you not arrive as planned.

In 2022, the Insurance Crime Bureau saw an increase in the theft of newer model Sports Utility Vehicles (amongst others), that have keyless entry and ignition technology.

Carte Blanche sat down with Hollard’s Head of Short-Term Insurance Operations, Louwrens Liebenberg, to discuss high-tech car thefts that sees criminal syndicates using “Relay Attacks” as a method to steal these vehicles.