Thousands of drivers nationwide could be at risk of having their cars stolen without the thieves even requiring the key. Keyless car thefts are on the rise in many areas, with approximately two-thirds of all stolen vehicles in England and Wales falling victim to this type of crime. Keyless car thefts stand out from other forms of theft as thieves don't need to break a window or take the key in order to gain access.

'Keyless' cars refer to any vehicle that unlocks itself when the key is in proximity and are generally more high-end. Criminals can use a relay device to effectively capture and mimic this signal if they're nearby, tricking the car into unlocking itself and allowing anyone to drive off with it.

There are a number of things you can do to help secure your car and significantly decrease the likelihood of a keyless theft.

Preventing keyless car thefts

The first step is to verify if your motor has keyless entry. Bear in mind that if you need to press a button on your key fob and also use the key to physically start the ignition, then it's not a keyless car.

One of the most notable features of keyless cars that make them appealing to criminals is that the physical key fob signal only needs to be nearby for the car to start.

If you own a keyless car, it's crucial to understand that the signal from your key is the primary vulnerability that criminals can exploit. Hence, many preventative measures focus on preventing criminals from ever detecting the signal.

Keep key away from easy-access areas next to your car

The primary method of keyless car theft involves using a device that can detect the nearby signal from your key. These signals are typically short-range radio waves, making it more challenging for criminals to capture the signal if the key is kept at a distance from the car.

More importantly, keep the key away from any doors or windows near the car, as this can facilitate the signal's transmission.

Use a pouch that blocks the signal

If you're prepared to spend a bit of money to reduce the risk of your car being stolen, a special pouch that blocks the signal (commonly known as a Faraday pouch) can be bought from various outlets. All you need to do is put your keys in the pouch when you're not driving the car to prevent the signal from continuously transmitting.

Turn off the wireless signal

Depending on your vehicle's manufacturer, you might be able to switch off the wireless signal from your key fob. Generally, guidance on how to do this can be found in your car's manual.

If there are no instructions available to turn off the wireless signal, you may be able to contact your manufacturer directly, who can provide further advice.

Lock the steering wheel

Though it may seem old-fashioned compared to more advanced immobilising techniques, a physical steering wheel lock can deter thieves from trying to nick your car. These steering wheel locks are available from numerous suppliers, but it might be wise to seek one that has received Thatcham Quality approval, as this is likely to be the most secure.