Protecting vehicles from keyless theft
Peter Thompson, managing director of CanTrack, part of Radius Telematics, discusses what can be done to safeguard fleets with theft levels rising
Vehicle thievery is on the up. In fact, data shows that vehicle thefts in England and Wales exceeded 101,000 in 2021, more than twice those initially published by the DVLA. What’s more, less than 28 per cent of those stolen vehicles were ever recovered, compared to 80 per cent in 2006.
With the ongoing economic crisis that the UK finds itself in, it seems likely that those figures are only to set to get even more devastating in 2023.
As vehicle theft generally increases, so too does the increase in keyless theft, whereby thieves steal a vehicle without using the physical key fob, exploiting technology to get into the vehicle and drive away.
Against this backdrop of increased thefts, it is time for both motorists and fleet managers to equip themselves with practical tips on how to avoid their vehicles being stolen.
So, how can you protect your vehicle from keyless vehicle theft?
Keep your keys safe
If you or your fleet has a keyless entry vehicle it is imperative that you make sure your keys are kept well away from doors and windows. It is also useful to put your key in a metal box or tin (like those that tea bags or biscuits come in), so that the signal can’t be interrupted from outside and used to open your vehicle – and don’t forget to do the same with any spare sets!
For those who are wanting to be extra cautious, metal lined wallets such as signal-blocking pouches, often called faraday bags, can prove useful with keeping your vehicle safe. Signal blocking pouches stop access to a vehicle by obstructing your key fob from transmitting its code to the vehicle.
Whatever way you decide to keep your keys safe, make sure to test out your method: put the key in the pouch or tin when you’re standing beside the locked vehicle. Try the door and if the doors stay locked, they keys are safe.
Turn off the wireless signal
Many thieves execute keyless vehicle thefts by using the wireless signal, so it might be worth switching it off. Whilst this can sound complicated, many vehicles will have information on how to do this within their manual. If you are still struggling, get in contact with the vehicle’s manufacturer to see what can be done.
Think about how you park
It sounds simple, but carefully considering how you park can make a big impact on keeping your vehicle safe. If you’re parking on your driveway, try to park defensively – as close to your property as possible, so that access is made difficult. If you’ve got a steering wheel lock, use it. Alternatively, try and park in well-lit areas, potentially using outdoor motion detector lighting and CCTV if you have a driveway, and, if parking on the street, choosing areas near streetlamps.
Parking your vehicle in a garage overnight is also ideal, but make sure a security check is undertaken beforehand.
Get your windows etched
Having your windows etched can also be a useful way to make it a tough job for a thief to alter your vehicle’s identity. Through having the last seven digits of your vehicle identity number (or registration) etched onto the windows, headlights and mirrors you are safeguarding your vehicle and making it that much harder for it to be resold.
Go old school
They might have fallen out of favour, but physical steering locks once more have a place in the security line-up. Whilst portable (battery-powered) saws have made it easier for thieves to bypass them, every layer of security helps a thieve to move onto an easier target.
Invest in hardware and software
Whilst the above practical tips can be instrumental in protecting your vehicle from keyless theft, there are also market-leading experts on hand to provide hardware and software solutions that allow you to go about your business, with less risk and interruption associated with theft, loss and insolvency.
Aftermarket specialist theft recovery tracking systems are particularly beneficial, as unlike manufacturers systems which are always installed in the same location (vehicle specific), aftermarket systems can be installed anywhere, particularly battery powered systems which are incredible difficult for thieves to locate.
Cantrack Global, which is part of Radius Telematics, offers customers CanTrack Protect – a Thatcham (S7) and Secured By Design (Police Approved) service comprising of specialist hardware, software and an on-going subscription service.
The tracking service includes a free deployment of an investigations unit in the event of theft to locate your vehicle – enabling your vehicle to be tracked down and recovered. It’s used to protect individuals and business from theft, and for businesses also provides a safeguard against fraud, high credit-risk clients, and rising insurance costs.
Whether you are a business with one vehicle, a business with 100 or just a concerned motorist, it’s time to take action and protect yourself from keyless vehicle theft today.
