Drivers of these models told it is 'easy' for thieves to steal their cars
Drivers have been urged to take steps to protect their cars after it was revealed as many as seven in 10 thefts involve a new method being used by thieves. Keyless thefts mostly target modern and high-end cars, with crooks able to get into these "easily" by cloning key fob signals.
It means thieves no longer need to use crowbars or have to smash their way into vehicles. They can get away from driveways in most cases now without hardly making a sound.
Insurer Admiral says between 60% and 70% of car thefts now happen in this way, while another insurer LV told how they had increased 59% between 2021 and 2022. Ford Fiestas, Range Rovers, Ford Focus, Land Rovers and VW Golfs are among the most stolen models in the West Midlands, BirminghamLive recently reported.
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Some car companies, like Ford and Jaguar Land Rover, have taken steps to try to protect models from keyless theft but it remains a major concern for police chiefs. JLR says its newest vehicles are no longer vulnerable to keyless thefts.
Superintendent Matthew Moscrop, of the National Police Chiefs Council, said: “Keyless technology has unfortunately led to the development of devices which are easily accessible and make stealing vehicles all too straightforward for criminals.”
Drivers have been told there are things they can do to help keep their motors safe. Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, explained: "Keyless car fobs let you unlock the car when you’re nearby and turn the engine on without putting the key in the ignition. But thieves have exploited this handy feature by ‘cloning’ the signal.
"You can stop this from happening by blocking the signal with a Faraday pouch, which is lined with metal and stops thieves tricking your car into thinking the key is nearby. You can even keep your keys in an aluminium tin, or pop them in the microwave, to block the signal. But a proper Faraday pouch or box is the best way forward."
He continued: "Modern cars are packed with tech and many have regular ‘over-the-air’ updates to download the latest software for infotainment systems, and even improve efficiency and other driving features for some electric cars.
"Many software updates include new security measures to combat new types of criminal technology. Ultra-wideband technology is being used more by manufacturers, which is better at stopping thieves tapping into keyless fob signals, so security is improving."
Mr Sheehan added: “Don’t dismiss the tried and tested methods, such as a steering wheel lock. Visible deterrents are really effective at making thieves think twice before they try and steal your car. Deter thieves when parked at home
"There’s a lot you can do to deter thieves when your car is on a drive or the street in front of your home. Security lighting with motion sensors could be installed around where your vehicle is parked, as a suddenly-lit area will spook thieves.
"CCTV cameras and smart video doorbells that look out onto a parked car are both also likely to prove handy deterrents to criminals." Jaguar Land Rover says it has taken steps to protect its models from key cloning theft, and says it is "no longer a threat" to its cars which have ultra-wide band protection. It also says it is sending out Faraday pouches to owners of older models.