Police forces across the UK issued warnings on Wednesday urging owners of keyless vehicles to stay vigilant following a spate of thefts in areas including south Lincolnshire, Banbury, Bicester, Street, and Glastonbury.

Lincolnshire police reported that four high-powered vehicles were targeted by thieves in Spalding in the early hours of Wednesday. 

Thieves attempted to steal a Volvo on Osier Road around 2:40 AM but were unsuccessful. A few hours later, at 6:40 AM, a blue BMW 840I M SPORT was stolen from Carrington Close, followed by a grey Audi Q4 E-TRON from Larkspur Way 15 minutes later. Another attempted theft of an Audi occurred nearby at 9:20 AM. 

Police suspect these incidents are connected. The thieves used relay devices outside the victims’ houses to amplify key fob signals, allowing them to unlock parked cars remotely. They achieve this by directing an antenna towards the properties.

In a separate incident, a grey Landrover Discovery was also stolen from Pilgrim Hospital car park in Boston around 7 AM. However, it appears that the thieves used a different method to steal the vehicle.

In addition to the four incidents, police have noticed an increase in attempted car thefts. Although unsuccessful, they are cautioning communities about the risks of car theft.

On the same day, Thames Valley Police advised the public to store their vehicle keys in a metal tin or a Faraday box away from the front of their property. 

The alert follows a rise in vehicle thefts in Banbury and Bicester, where criminals employ a device and a laptop to intercept key sensor signals near people’s homes. This technique is similar to the one used in Spalding, granting thieves swift access to the vehicle and enabling them to start the engine and flee within minutes.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary issued a similar warning, advising the public to implement strong crime prevention measures and safeguard their vehicles.

“In light of the recent surge in vehicle thefts across Street and Glastonbury, we’re urging the community to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard their vehicles,” a spokesperson from the force said.

“Modern technology, while advancing vehicle security, also presents new opportunities for thieves, especially with keyless entry cars.”

Risks of keyless cars

The rise in keyless car thefts has sparked concerns about their security. An investigation by the Observer reveals that the car industry may have disregarded warnings over a decade ago about the potential for this technology to increase vehicle thefts.

Legal and computer researchers have previously raised concerns about the vulnerability of keyless entry and vehicle software due to inadequate security measures. They warned the industry that this could lead to vehicles being compromised, potentially leaving car owners with no evidence of forced entry.

Findings reveal that thieves are using a device camouflaged as a games console, known as an “emulator,” to steal vehicles in under 20 seconds by replicating the electronic key. This method primarily targets Hyundai and Kia models. There is also “smart” equipment, available online for up to £5,000, facilitating hackers in accessing a vehicle’s computer system to program a new key.

Keyless car owners should exercise extra caution in light of these risks. Keep car keys, including spares, well away from the vehicle while at home in a screened or signal-blocking pouch like a Faraday Bag, and regularly check its functionality. Reprogram keys when purchasing a used car. For added physical security, consider using steering locks and immobilizers.

Keyless car owners can enlist the help of security firms such as Marengo to bolster home security, safeguarding both property and vehicles. These firms can implement security tools, employ security guards in the vicinities, and collaborate with other security agencies if needed for comprehensive protection.