Fake Faraday pouches that offer little or no protection against keyless car theft are being peddled to UK motorists.

Over 94% of stolen vehicles recovered by Tracker in 2023 were stolen via relay attacks

Tracker Network UK warned that the market is being flooded by imitation Faraday pouches, leaving drivers at risk of vehicle theft.

Keyless car theft – also known as ‘relay attacks’ – works through a relay-style electronic device that tricks the key fob signal into thinking the key is near to the car and then allowing the device to assume all key fob power in less than 60 seconds.

Over 94% of stolen vehicles recovered by Tracker in 2023 were stolen this way and motorists have been warned to take action by keeping the key – and the spare too – away from the vehicle when not in use, and block the signal by keeping the fob in a closed tin or Faraday bag.

But Tracker says not all Faraday pouches are equal and tests have found that effectiveness varies significantly between pouches available.

“Unfortunately, it’s not just organised vehicle thieves benefiting from the increase in keyless vehicle thefts,” explained Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker. “Entrepreneurial individuals are also cashing in by selling fake or inadequate pouches, cases and bags to motorists who are trying to guard against falling victim to car theft. While a good quality pouch will provide reliable protection against the Relay Attack devices thieves use to extend the signal between a fob and the car, poor imitations are proving to offer little more than peace of mind.”

Tracker is urging people to not cut corners when investing in a Faraday pouch. Drivers can carry out a simply test on efficiency by taking the pouch – with the fob inside – close to the car to see if the car picks up the signal and unlocks as it usually would. Drivers could also check if a mobile signal penetrates the bag, if it is large enough to fit a phone inside the sealed pouch.

The stolen vehicle recovery specialist also says effective alternatives include a metal tin such as a biscuit barrel or a fridge.

However, Tracker says drivers should not rely solely on a car fob protection device.

“If nothing else, it is easy for anyone to forget to place the key fob and spare inside or to leave the pouch or container open. It doesn’t matter if you buy the best Faraday bag available if you don’t use it correctly every time,” Wain elaborated.

“Without additional layers of protection in place, the car remains vulnerable. Utilising multiple security measures will slow criminals down and deter them as it makes them suspicious to passers-by or more identifiable on doorbell or security camera footage.”

Tracker added that vehicle tracking solutions such as its own can provide a superior security defence against determined thieves.

“Criminals won’t know it’s there which means Tracker can lead the police straight to the vehicle and the thieves. 80% of stolen cars recovered by Tracker in 2023 were done so in less than 24 hours and 80 suspected criminals were arrested.”

Tracker’s Car Security Tips  

• When away from home, park in busy or well-lit and attended car parks near CCTV cameras
• When parked at home, don’t keep keys in a place where they can be seen or accessed from outside
• Block the key’s signal with a good quality faraday pouch or a metal tin, or by placing the keys in a fridge
• Get into the habit of watching to see the indicators flash to confirm the car is locked when you leave it
• Never leave the keys in the car or garage
• If your key fob cannot be manually locked, invest in the highest quality key protection you can afford, that will reliably block the signal in the case of an attempted relay attack
• Ensure the doors are locked, the sunroof and windows are closed
• Don’t leave valuables such as phones and bags in the car, but if you have no choice, leave them out of sight in the locked boot
• If you have a garage, use it, if not, install a security post in front of the car on the drive and/or a wheel, steering wheel or pedal lock, to make it harder to steal the vehicle
• Consider installing CCTV or at least a video doorbell that covers all vehicles, as a deterrent and to provide evidence if a theft or damage occurs
• Invest in a Tracker device for added protection and to reduce insurance premiums