Vehicle theft is a growing problem, and criminals use increasingly sophisticated techniques to steal cars quickly and quietly. Below we explain the most common methods used today — and how they work — so you can better understand the risks and take steps to protect your vehicle.

•  Relay Theft (Keyless Car Theft)

Modern cars with keyless entry and start systems are vulnerable to relay attacks.
Thieves use two electronic devices to intercept and extend the signal from your key fob:

One thief stands near your house or pocket to capture the signal.

The second thief stands near your car, receiving the signal and unlocking the car.

The car is tricked into thinking the key is present and starts the engine.
This method is fast, silent, and leaves no damage, making it difficult to detect.

•  Key Cloning

Most modern keys have a chip (transponder) that communicates with the car’s immobiliser.
Criminals can copy this chip using a cloning device, often after gaining brief access to your key — at a garage, valet, or even at home.
Some thieves also break into the car and use the OBD port (On-Board Diagnostics) to program a new key directly on the spot.

•  Hot-Wiring

An older but still-used technique, particularly on older vehicles without immobilisers.
Thieves:

Break into the car.

Remove the steering column cover.

Manually connect ignition wires to start the engine.
Modern immobiliser systems make hot-wiring difficult, but it still works on classic or older cars and motorcycles.

•  Key Theft

The simplest method — stealing your actual keys.
Criminals:

Break into your home and take the keys from hooks, drawers, or tables.

Reach through windows or letterboxes with long hooks.

Steal your keys in public places like gyms, workplaces, or restaurants.

Pickpocket or mug you for the keys.
Once they have your keys, they can drive off immediately without suspicion.

•  Fake Keys

Thieves may use illegally cut or fake keys to open and start a car:

They obtain blank keys and cut them to fit the lock.

On older vehicles, they may use skeleton or jiggle keys to manipulate the lock.

Some combine this with OBD port access to program the immobiliser to accept the fake key.