Keyless car theft has become one of the fastest-growing vehicle crimes in the UK, with thousands of vehicles stolen every year using relay attack methods. If your car has keyless entry and push-button start, you need to understand how criminals exploit these systems—and what you can do to protect yourself.

At JK Car Electrics, we install advanced vehicle security systems across Derby, Nottingham, Ilkeston, and the East Midlands. This guide explains how keyless theft works, which vehicles are most at risk, and the protection methods that actually work.

What is Keyless Car Theft?

Keyless car theft—also known as relay theft or relay attack—is a method criminals use to steal vehicles equipped with keyless entry and push-button start systems. Unlike traditional car theft methods that require breaking locks or hotwiring, relay theft exploits the wireless communication between your key fob and your vehicle.

The worrying reality is that this type of theft takes less than 60 seconds and requires no forced entry, leaving no visible signs of break-in. Many vehicle owners wake up to find their car simply gone from the driveway.

How Does Relay Theft Work?

Modern keyless entry systems are designed for convenience. Your key fob constantly emits a low-frequency signal. When you approach your car, the vehicle detects the key, unlocks the doors, and allows you to start the engine with a button press. Criminals exploit this convenient feature using two relay devices:

The Relay Attack Process

1. Device 1 (Signal Amplifier): One thief holds a relay device near your home—typically by your front door, living room window, or wherever your keys are kept inside. This device picks up the signal from your key fob, even through walls.
2. Device 2 (Signal Transmitter): A second thief stands by your vehicle on the driveway with another relay device. This device receives the amplified signal from Device 1 and transmits it to your car.
3. Car is Fooled: Your vehicle receives the relayed signal and believes your key fob is right next to it. The doors unlock automatically.
4. Engine Starts: The thief gets in, presses the start button, and because the car still thinks the key is present, the engine starts.
5. Vehicle Driven Away: Once started, most keyless systems allow the car to continue running even if the key signal is lost. The thief drives away before the system realizes the key is not actually in the vehicle.

The entire process takes 30-60 seconds. Many Ring doorbell videos show thieves working in pairs, silently stealing vehicles while owners sleep.

Which Vehicles Are Most At Risk?

Any vehicle with keyless entry is potentially vulnerable to relay theft. However, some models are targeted more frequently than others due to high resale value, demand for parts, or known security weaknesses.

Most Stolen Vehicles in the UK (Keyless Theft)

• Range Rover and Range Rover Sport: Consistently the most stolen vehicle in the UK. High value and strong demand for export markets make them prime targets.
• BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, X5: Popular premium models with keyless systems. Older F-Series models (2011-2019) particularly vulnerable.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, GLC: Luxury appeal and expensive parts make these desirable targets.
• Ford Fiesta and Focus: Surprisingly common theft victims due to sheer volume on UK roads and parts demand.
• Volkswagen Golf: High desirability and keyless entry systems in higher trims.
• Toyota RAV4 and Lexus NX: Hybrid models targeted for catalytic converters and overseas export.
• Audi A3, A4, Q5: VAG keyless systems can be vulnerable to relay attacks.

If you own any of these vehicles—or any car with keyless entry—you should take protective measures immediately.

Why is Keyless Theft So Common?

Several factors have contributed to the rise of relay theft:

• Organized Crime: Relay theft is typically carried out by organized criminal gangs who invest in professional equipment and have established networks for exporting stolen vehicles.
• No Forced Entry: Because there is no physical break-in, theft is silent and leaves no damage. Many insurance companies initially suspect owners of fraud until CCTV footage proves otherwise.
• High Success Rate: If your keys are within range (typically 5-10 meters through walls), the attack will work on most unprotected keyless vehicles.
• Quick Execution: Thieves can steal vehicles in under a minute with minimal chance of being caught in the act.
• Export Demand: High-value UK vehicles are shipped to Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East where they are resold or broken for parts.

How to Protect Your Vehicle from Relay Theft

1. Faraday Pouch or Signal Blocking Box (Essential)

A Faraday pouch or signal-blocking box is a simple but effective first line of defense. These containers use metal mesh or conductive material to block all radio signals, preventing relay devices from detecting your key fob.

How to use:

• Store your keys inside the pouch whenever you are at home
• Keep the pouch in a central location away from exterior walls
• Test effectiveness by trying to unlock your car while keys are inside—it should not work

Cost: 10-30 pounds for a quality pouch. Worth every penny.

Limitations: Only works if you remember to use it every time. One forgotten night is all criminals need.

2. Aftermarket Immobiliser (Most Effective)

An aftermarket immobiliser such as the CAN Phantom or Ghost Immobiliser is the single most effective protection against keyless theft. These devices integrate with your vehicle CAN-bus system and require a unique PIN code to be entered before the engine will start.

How it works:

• Even if thieves relay your key signal and get inside, they cannot start the engine without the PIN
• PIN is entered using existing vehicle buttons (steering wheel controls, climate buttons, etc.) in a sequence only you know
• No additional key fobs or visible components—thieves have no way to bypass it
• Professional installation takes 2-3 hours

Cost: Typically 400-600 pounds installed. Many insurance companies offer premium discounts for fitted immobilisers.

Why we recommend it: Unlike Faraday pouches, an immobiliser works 24/7 regardless of human error. Even if you forget to use your Faraday pouch, your car cannot be started without the PIN.

3. Steering Wheel Lock (Visual Deterrent)

A traditional steering wheel lock (like a Disklok or Stoplock) provides a visible deterrent. While determined thieves can defeat these locks given enough time, they add significant hassle and make your vehicle less attractive compared to an unprotected neighbor's car.

Effectiveness: Best used in combination with other methods. Thieves often move on to easier targets when they see visible security.

4. Disable Keyless Entry (If Possible)

Some manufacturers allow you to disable keyless entry functions while retaining remote central locking. Check your vehicle owner manual or infotainment system settings for options like:

• Motion sensor deactivation (key sleeps when not moved)
• Double-press lock button to disable keyless entry
• Comfort access settings in vehicle menus

This feature is available on some BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Ford models.

5. Park Smart

Where you park matters:

• Park in a garage if possible—thieves cannot relay signals through metal doors
• Use a driveway post or bollard to block access
• Park close to walls or obstacles that make quick getaways difficult
• Install motion-sensor lighting and CCTV as deterrents

6. Keep Keys Away from Doors and Windows

Never leave keys near your front door, hallway, or any exterior wall. The further your keys are from outside walls, the harder it is for relay devices to detect them. Consider keeping keys:

• Upstairs in a bedroom
• In a metal tin or biscuit box (provides some signal blocking)
• In a drawer or cupboard in a central room

What If My Vehicle is Stolen?

If your keyless vehicle is stolen despite precautions:

1. Report to police immediately: Call 999 if theft is in progress, 101 to report afterward. Obtain a crime reference number.
2. Contact your insurance company: Report within 24 hours. Provide CCTV footage if available.
3. Check for trackers: If your vehicle has a factory or aftermarket tracker, contact the monitoring company immediately for real-time location.
4. Cancel spare keys: If recovered, have all keys reprogrammed to prevent thieves returning with cloned keys.

Insurance and Keyless Theft

Many insurance companies now ask if your vehicle has keyless entry and what security measures you have in place. Some insurers:

• Require aftermarket immobilisers for high-risk models (especially Range Rovers)
• Offer premium discounts for approved security devices
• May refuse claims if adequate security measures were not taken

Always inform your insurer of security devices fitted—it may reduce your premium and strengthen any claim.

Our Vehicle Security Services

At JK Car Electrics, we supply and install CAN Phantom immobilisers and other approved vehicle security systems across Ilkeston, Derby, Nottingham, and throughout Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Our installation service includes:

• Professional CAN-bus integration with no damage to vehicle wiring
• Custom PIN code setup and owner training
• Insurance-approved certification
• Lifetime support and PIN recovery service

Do not wait until your vehicle is stolen. Learn more about our vehicle security solutions or contact us for a free quote and protect your investment today.