Vehicle theft is a growing problem!

Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated techniques to steal cars quickly and quietly. 

Below we briefly explain the most common methods used — 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 electronic devices to intercept and extend the signal from your key fob.

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 that communicates with the car immobiliser.
Criminals can copy this chip, either after gaining brief access to your key (at a garage, valet or at home for example) or by breaking into the car and using a device to program a new key directly on the spot.

•  Hot-Wiring

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

Modern vehicle immobiliser systems make hot-wiring difficult, however it can still work on classic or older cars and motorcycles.

•  Key Theft

The simplest method — stealing your actual keys.

Methods for this are widely known and include; breaking into your home, pickpocketing, bag theft etc

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.

This could be blank keys that are cut to fit the lock. Alternatively, they may use a special device to manipulate the lock.

Some combine this with auto electronic access to program the car to accept a fake key and enable the engine to start.