Keeping your keyless vehicle secure

Derbyshire Police have issued a warning to owners of cars with keyless technology of the development of devices which criminals can exploit.

Acknowledging that keyless technology is helpful when owners have their hands full, they are being asked to check that they have locked their car and whether keys are in a safe place.

The system works by the vehicle sending out a radio signal, which is picked up and relayed by the key fob, and, if it is close enough, and if the signals match, the car will lock or unlock.

A short video which can be seen on this page shows how thieves can use a set of relay devices to open and start keyless cars from outside the owner's home.

Nationally, policing has been working closely with the government to look at ways legislation can be used to stop the sale of keyless repeaters and signal jammers.

However, thefts of keyless vehicles are still taking place.

As a result, a list of simple steps has been released for owners to take to make it harder for thieves using that method to avoid giving them an easy ride.

• Use a Faraday case to store your key fob – and also any spares. These pouches block the signal and help prevent thieves using the ‘relay attack’ method.
• Make sure the pouch is designed specifically for keys and test it by inserting your fob into the pouch and attempting to open your vehicle.
• Refer to your user manual to see if your keyless entry fob can be deactivated at night.
• Check that you have a motion-sensor enabled fob, which goes to sleep when idle, such as when stored at home. Many vehicle manufacturers now produce this type of fob.
• Go old-school and fit a steering wheel clamp.

For more information, visit the Keeping vehicles safe page on the Derbyshire Police website.