Long gone are the days when a simple steering wheel lock or a car alarm was enough to keep your pride and joy safe. Modern car thieves are an opportunist bunch, armed with a range of gadgets to make car theft more sophisticated than ever.
However, before you start to panic, there's plenty of practical and affordable ways for you to keep your vehicle safe.
In this blog, we'll explore the sneaky tactics car thieves use, how keyless car theft works, and most importantly, how you can outsmart them. Whether you drive a luxury car or a trusty hatchback, these security tips will help you sleep a little easier.
We discuss:
Before you start thinking about prevention methods, you need to put yourself in the mind of the thief. They’ve come a long way from smashing windows and hotwiring ignitions like in the movies.
Today’s car thieves are more sophisticated, using advanced technology to steal vehicles in seconds, often without making a sound. So, what is their modus operandi?
High-tech theft
Traditionally, car theft involved brute force. Break the window, hotwire the ignition, then get away before the owner or police show up.
While these methods still exist, modern security systems make them much less common.
The rise of keyless entry and push-button start has led to an alarming increase in car relay theft, one of the most efficient ways to steal a modern car.
The rise of keyless car theft
Keyless entry is a technology that’s designed for convenience - you simply walk up to your car, open the door and drive away. All without the hassle of messing with your keys.
However, thieves have figured out how to hijack this magic. By capturing the signal and transmitting it near the car, they can trick the car into thinking the key is within range. All they have to do is then get in and drive away!
Other common methods
While relay and keyless car theft is on the rise, there’s other methods you should be aware of:
- Jamming signals - Some criminals use signal jammers to block your car from locking when you press the fob.
- Key cloning - Hackers can duplicate key fob signals and create a working copy to access your car.
Basic Steps to Follow
Securing your vehicle begins with the basics. If you cover the basics and cut out any silly mistakes, you'll go a long way in protecting your vehicle from thieves. Here's what we'd recommend doing:
- Check it's locked - This may sound simple, but checking and checking again that your car is locked is very important. A lot of the time, we lock our vehicles on autopilot, and believe it or not, sometimes we forget. Every time you leave the car, double-check it's locked.
- Keep valuables out of sight - Don't leave any expensive devices or electronics in view. Try hiding them in the boot, or even better, take them inside.
- Turn your car wheels into the curb - Simple and effective. Turning your wheels to the curb makes it a lot harder for thieves to make a quick getaway.
- Close the windows - When you leave the car, close your windows completely. Even if they are opened the slightest, a thief can use this to access your vehicle.
- Get a steering wheel lock - Steering wheel locks are a visual deterrent as they take a long time to remove. Opportunist thieves want a quick getaway, so they will avoid a car with a steering wheel lock.
- Don't leave your car running - Even if you're nipping inside for a minute, don't leave your car running. This is exactly what a thief wants, as it makes their job a lot easier.
Smart Parking Choices
Before leaving your vehicle, think about where it's parked. If you don't have access to off-road parking, try to park in a well-lit area that has plenty of CCTV cameras and lots of traffic flow.
Even if you're in a rush, don't just park in the first space you see. If you rush the process, you'll likely pick a spot that isn't secure, resulting in a higher chance of your vehicle being stolen. Try to leave some time to find a safe and secure parking space.
To find a safe and secure parking space, check out Park Mark.
If in doubt, turn to technology. From cutting-edge security systems that integrate with your smartphone to the emergence of biometric security measures, the possibilities for protecting your vehicle from thieves are ever-expanding.
For a little extra money, you can go a long way in keeping your car secure. Here's some of the technology we'd recommend:
- Dash cam - Some dash cams come with a parking mode that provides 24/7 impact and motion detection. If an opportunist thief sees a dash cam, they're less likely to try and break into your car.
- Faraday cages - A Faraday cage is a small box that blocks the signal of your key once placed inside. This prevents thieves from cloning your key's signal. If you have a keyless start car, we'd definitely recommend getting a Faraday cage.
- Immobilisation technology - Getting an immobiliser for your car is probably the most effective way of keeping it safe. With an immobiliser, your vehicle will not start until a specific code has been inputted.
- CCTV - If you park your car outside your home, installing a CCTV camera is a great way to deter thieves. It watches over your car at all times, providing protection and vital footage if the worst happens.
- Driveway security light - If you park your car in your driveway, a driveway security light will instantly light up when an intruder sets foot on your driveway. This should alert you or your neighbours and help you catch the thief.
- Invest in security window etching - According to Halfords, etched vehicles are 45% less likely to be stolen and 50% more likely to be recovered.
- GPS tracking - Although this won't prevent your vehicle from being stolen, it means you'll know exactly where your car has ended up if the worst happens.
Keyless cars seem to be the way forward for manufacturers, but as the tech advances, keyless car theft is becoming an increasing concern for drivers.
Keyless car theft happens through a method called a relay theft:
- The thief stands near your house, holding a device that captures the signal from the key fob.
- The captured signal is transmitted to the second thief that’s standing near the car.
- The car is tricked into thinking the key is present and within range, allowing the thief to unlock and start the vehicle.
- The car starts and they drive away and you’re left without a vehicle. Not good!
It’s worth noting that thieves target popular brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, and Ford, and as you can suspect, high-end SUVs.
Although keyless theft is on the rise, there’s a few simple precautions you can take to outsmart criminals and drastically increase keyless car security.
Use a faraday pouch
A faraday pouch, also known as a signal-blocking pouch, is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent keyless car theft. The pouch contains special material that blocks key fob signals, eliminating the threat of it being duplicated.
We’d recommend keeping your key fob in a Faraday pouch at all times when at home. They can be bought online for under £20.
Keep your keys away from doors and windows
You can make life harder for thieves by storing your key fob far away from entry points. Relay devices typically work within a 10-15 meter range, so keeping them out of the way can make it harder to duplicate the signal.
Turn off your fob’s wireless signal
Some keyless cars allow you to disable the key fob’s signal when it’s not in use. It’s worth checking your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle has this feature.
Keep your software up to date
Manufacturers are constantly working to improve their cars' security systems and keeping software up to date helps ensure you’re protected against the latest hacking technology.
Check the manufacturer's website a couple of times a year for updates, and if your car is due for a service, ask the dealer to check for any updates.
If you've lost a set of keys, it's also worth re-programming your keys to prevent the odd chance that the lost keys fall into the wrong hands.
Even if you live in a low-crime area, car theft can still happen. Remain vigilant at all times and consider the possibility of an opportunist thief operating in the area.
- Be mindful of your surroundings - If an area feels unsafe, or you notice someone loitering near parked cars, trust your gut instinct and park somewhere else.
- Watch for suspicious behaviour - Thieves often scout neighbourhoods before striking. If you see someone looking suspicious or driving slowly on your street, take note.
Never underestimate the power of community in the fight against vehicle theft. Neighbourhood Watch programmes, active WhatsApp or Facebook groups, and good relationships with your neighbours can make a huge difference in keeping thieves at bay.
- Get to know your neighbours - A strong community looks out for each other and thieves will be less likely to take the risk.
- Report suspicious activity - If something doesn’t seem right, alert local Neighbourhood Watch or the police.
- Consider better security measures - Implement CCTV monitoring and better street lighting as a deterrent.
Car insurance costs have skyrocketed in recent years, adding yet more pressure on our bank accounts. And while rising premiums are out of our control, one thing that might help reduce costs is improving your car’s security.
Most insurers take theft prevention very seriously and if you can prove that your vehicle is well-protected, you may be rewarded with lower premiums.
Installing approved security devices, a GPS tracker, or parking in a secure location can all work in your favour.
That said, every insurance provider is different, so it’s always worth checking what they recognise and whether they offer any discounts.
Keeping your car safe isn’t about relying on just one solution - it’s about layering your security. A mix of smart habits, modern security technology, and awareness can make all the difference.
By staying informed, taking proactive steps, and working together with your local community, you can keep your vehicle exactly where it belongs.
Looking for more motoring advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces various leasing guides, such as The Laws of Parking and the Guide to Driving on the Motorway.
We are also one of the UK's leading car and van leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. Whether you're looking for a stylish lease car or a reliable lease van, we provide a range of deals to suit your needs.
For more information, check out our leasing deals or call us on 0345 811 9595.
