With keyless vehicle thefts on the rise, Steven Kirwan, director of operations at Ayvens Insurance, advises fleets and drivers on the different ways to protect vehicles.

The threat of car theft is particularly high in January

Keyless car thefts are at an all-time high as criminals increasingly target vehicles with keyless entry systems.

In 2023/24, around 130,000 vehicles were stolen and keyless car theft accounted for some 94% of these, according to figures from Tracker. The firm also recently warned of a seasonal spike in car crime from November through to the end of winter, with January proving particularly high for car theft.

Behind the keyless car theft epidemic, criminals use signal boosters to amplify key fob’s signal in what’s known as a ‘relay attack’. The car thinks the key is nearby, even if it’s sitting somewhere deep inside your home, allowing thieves to drive off in your vehicle without ever triggering an alarm.

It can take less than 60 seconds for thieves to intercept the car and its fobs, meaning drivers and fleet managers now face the question of how to protect their vehicles from keyless theft and what methods can best help them.

Hacks to help prevent keyless vehicle theft 

In less than a minute, criminals can open your vehicle, hop in and drive off as if they had a key, before anyone has a chance to stop them. As scary as this can be, there are safety measures you can take to protect your vehicle from keyless theft.

But which methods can help protect against vehicle theft and which ones are myths? Concerned drivers have taken to Reddit to share their top hacks for preventing keyless theft. The experts at Ayvens Insurance have shared whether any of them will actually help protect against keyless vehicle theft.

Purchasing a Faraday pouch  

One of the most popular solutions is the use of Faraday pouches. These pouches are designed to block electronic signals which can prevent thieves from intercepting the fob’s signal. They are affordable, easy to find and relatively effective in thwarting signal-boosting theft techniques.

Steven Kirwan said: “Faraday pouches might not always be reliable, depending on the brand. It’s always worth testing them by placing the fob in a pouch near the car to check if the signal is blocked.”

Foiling thieves with foil  

For a cheaper alternative, wrapping your keys in tin foil has become a popular suggestion. But before you grab some foil from the kitchen, there are some factors to consider.

Kirwan commented: “While tin foil has been proven to dampen your key fob’s signal, it may not completely block signals, since the material lacks density. It’s always ideal to look for a foolproof solution.”

Storing keys in the fridge or microwave  

A more DIY approach is to store fobs in appliances such as a fridge or microwave to block the signal. While these methods may seem convenient, they’re not always effective.

Kirwan explained: “These methods might work, but we wouldn’t recommend them – especially putting your key in the microwave, as there’s a great risk of melting your key accidentally or even destroying your appliance. Instead, you should store your fob away in a reliable safe box to make it harder for thieves to pick up the signal.”

Using traditional security measures  

Other traditional security measures, such as immobilisers, steering locks, and motion-activated lights, continue to be popular among concerned drivers.

It’s also important to always lock doors while driving and verify electronic locks manually to avoid signal jamming. Invest in security devices such as VIN verification when purchasing to safeguard against carjackers and illegal tow trucks

“Adding a physical barrier can make your vehicle more difficult to move, serving as a deterrent for thieves. You should also consider adding a tracking device to your vehicle. In the event of a theft, this greatly increases the likelihood of recovery,” said Steve Kirwan.

“Additional security measures and proper parking practices can be the biggest deterrent to car thieves. Remember the basics: always lock the vehicle even if hopping out for a minute and park in a well-lit area. If you can, try to park in places with a Park Mark safer parking award.”

Taking measures further for fleet vehicles  

While taking personal measures such as Faraday pouches or immobilisers can help protect drivers to a certain degree against keyless vehicle theft, for fleet managers this isn’t enough.

Fleets are particularly at risk of vehicle theft, due to running similar makes and models, but because of their predictable usage patterns as well

Fleet managers oversee multiple vehicles, often of similar make and model, which can share the same security vulnerabilities. This can mean fleets are particularly at risk of vehicle theft, which can have costly implications. From the cost of replacing stolen vehicles, higher insurance premiums, and even service disruptions, fleet managers need a robust strategy to ensure vehicle safety maintain operational efficiency and minimise financial risks.

Kirwan said: “Fleets are especially vulnerable, not only due to their similar make and model, but because of their predictable usage patterns as well. So, they must adopt a multi-layered security approach that goes beyond basic precautions.

“A robust security strategy that includes training drivers on anti-theft practices, installing dashcams and using fleet management systems to detect suspicious activity and respond accordingly will help fleets ward off potential vehicle thefts.

“Invest in proper training and remind fleet operators of the basics. This may sound simple, but you would be surprised at how many people don’t know how to properly lock their cars or leave them unattended when defrosting windscreens, for example.”

By implementing these extra measures, whether you’re a private driver or managing a fleet, you can better protect against keyless car theft. While no solution is foolproof, combining multiple layers of security significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to this growing crime.