The car industry was warned over a decade ago that keyless entry systems could lead to a surge in vehicle thefts, an investigation by the Observer has revealed. Legal and computer researchers claimed that keyless technology and vehicle software would be 'subverted' due to inadequate security, with owners warned they could 'expect to find their cars stolen in the future without any sign of entry'.
The warnings came in a 2011 report by researchers at the University of California and the University of Washington, which highlighted the possibility of hacking a car's software to unlock doors and start the engine. In 2012, barrister Stephen Mason published an article in Computer Law and Security Review, cautioning that keyless systems could be 'successfully undermined' unless manufacturers improved design.
Today, thieves are using devices disguised as games consoles, known as 'emulators', to steal vehicles within 20 seconds by mimicking electronic keys. The equipment, targeted at Hyundai and Kia models, is available online for up to £5,000. Car theft in England and Wales in the year to March 2023 reached its highest level in over a decade, contributing to record insurance premiums of £2,000 or more for some drivers.
Motoring lawyer Nick Freeman described the situation as 'catastrophic', accusing the industry of negligence. Jaguar Land Rover invested £10 million last November to upgrade security for commonly stolen models, while Hyundai confirmed it is working 'as a priority' to prevent attacks. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) denied failure, stating it is in an 'arms race' with criminals and that vehicle theft has fallen dramatically over 30 years.
The Home Office noted overall vehicle crime is down 39% since 2010 and welcomed police commitments to follow up on all reasonable lines of enquiry. New measures in the Criminal Justice Bill will ban electronic devices used in vehicle theft.
