Keyless Entry Vehicles and Relay Thefts

Dear Resident,

Last week I sent a message out with tips to keep your vehicle safe.

Following on from that message, I wanted to provide some advice for owners of keyless entry vehicles.

Most keyless entry vehicles are stolen by way of a method called ‘Relay Theft’. A keyless entry key is always transmitting a signal, a relay theft involves a device being used to pick up the signal from the key and forwarding that signal to another device near to the vehicle which makes the vehicle think the key is close by, and it allows the doors to be opened. 

Once the second device is inside the vehicle, the vehicle thinks the key is, so it allows the engine to be started. Once the engine is started, it no longer needs the signal and it will remain running, until it is turned off again. Only then would it require the signal to start again. The reason the engine doesn't stop when the signal does, is due to safety reasons, as you wouldn't want your car stopping on a motorway if your key battery died.

The best way to prevent this type of theft from happening is to place your keyless entry key into a faraday pouch that will stop the signal, and prevent a relay device from picking it up. (Don't forget to put your spare key in one as well as that will also be transmitting a signal)

A search on the internet for a faraday pouch for car keys will identify lots of different options and prices for you to consider. We always recommend using a faraday pouch that is Secured by Design approved as they have been tested to a high level than most.

For more information, the following link will take you to the secured by design website - Relay Theft section - here

Feel free to share this message or post on social media. Further crime prevention advice is available on the Secured by Design website.

Regards

Jamie

Jamie Steel

Crime Reduction

Humberside Police