A sophisticated new wave of car crime is sweeping across Britain, with thieves using cheap, readily available technology to bypass security systems on modern vehicles in a matter of seconds.
Security experts have issued an urgent warning to drivers after revealing how criminal gangs are exploiting a critical vulnerability in keyless entry systems. The technique, known as a 'relay attack', effectively tricks a vehicle into believing the owner's key fob is present.
How the Carjacking Tech Works
The theft requires two perpetrators working in tandem. One stands near the target vehicle, while an accomplice positions themselves close to where the actual key fob is located – often just metres away through the wall of a home.
Using a relay device that amplifies the key fob's signal, they create a digital bridge. The car receives the cloned signal and obediently unlocks, allowing thieves to start the engine and drive away – often in under 60 seconds without triggering any alarms.
The Alarming Scale of the Problem
What makes this threat particularly disturbing is the accessibility of the technology. These relay boxes can be purchased online for as little as £100, making them accessible to amateur criminals as well as organised gangs.
Modern vehicles with keyless entry and start systems are particularly vulnerable. Many drivers remain completely unaware that their expensive family car could be so easily compromised.
Protecting Your Vehicle: Expert Advice
Security specialists recommend several immediate protective measures:
- Faraday pouches: Store key fobs in signal-blocking pouches when at home
- Physical barriers: Use steering wheel locks and pedal boxes as visible deterrents
- Key placement: Keep keys away from doors and windows overnight
- Deactivation: Check if your key fob can be turned off when not in use
- Vehicle tracking: Consider installing an aftermarket GPS tracking system
This revelation serves as a stark reminder that as vehicle technology advances, so too do the methods employed by criminals. Vigilance and additional security layers have become essential for every modern car owner in the UK.
