Exclusive new data has sent shockwaves through the motoring community, revealing that one of Britain's favourite family SUVs has become a prime target for sophisticated criminal gangs.
The Hyundai Tucson, a regular fixture in supermarket car parks and school runs across the country, has alarmingly climbed into the top ten most stolen vehicles according to the latest Tracker Network UK statistics.
Rising Threat to Popular Family Model
This isn't about old-fashioned smashed windows and hotwiring. Modern car thieves are employing advanced technology that bypasses security systems entirely. The Tucson's keyless entry system, once hailed as a convenience feature, has become its greatest vulnerability.
Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker, delivered a stark warning: "Criminals are increasingly targeting keyless entry vehicles. The Tucson's popularity and this security weakness have made it a high-value target for organised crime groups."
How the Thefts Are Happening
The method is both simple and frighteningly effective:
- Thieves use relay equipment to amplify the signal from your key fob inside your home
- This tricks the car into thinking the genuine key is present
- Within seconds, doors unlock and the engine starts without any forced entry
Many owners only discover the theft hours later, often finding no signs of broken glass or forced entry, leaving them bewildered about how their vehicle vanished so completely.
Essential Protection Measures for Owners
Security experts recommend immediate action for all Tucson owners:
- Store key fobs in Faraday pouches or metal tins to block signal amplification
- Consider additional steering locks or aftermarket security systems
- Install physical barriers like wheel locks for high-risk areas
- Park in well-lit areas or secured garages whenever possible
Hyundai UK has responded to concerns, stating they continuously update security features and recommend customers use additional protective measures.
The rise in Tucson thefts serves as a crucial reminder that as vehicle technology advances, so do criminal methods. In the ongoing battle between car manufacturers and thieves, owners remain the first line of defence.
