Essex police issue warning about 'Keyless Car Thefts'
Essex Police urges car owners to take proactive steps to secure their vehicles against relay theft
In a bid to combat incidents of keyless car thefts, Essex Police have issued a warning to car owners about the vulnerability of vehicles equipped with keyless entry systems.
The police are raising awareness about the growing prevalence of "relay theft," a technique used by criminals to exploit keyless entry systems and gain unauthorized access to vehicles.
Cars with keyless entry are designed to unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car, such as when it is inside a pocket or bag. However, this convenience has become a major security concern, as criminals have developed devices that can mimic the signal emitted by the car key, fooling the vehicle into thinking the key is nearby. This allows them to easily unlock the car and start the ignition, even if the key is safely stored inside the owner's home.
According to Essex Police, thieves can capture the key's signal from a distance of just a few meters, making it possible for them to gain access to a car even if it is parked securely. This alarming trend means that traditional security measures, such as locked gates or secured garages, may not be sufficient to protect against keyless car theft.
To help car owners safeguard their vehicles, Essex Police have provided a series of practical tips. Firstly, they advise keeping car keys and spare keys well away from the vehicle when at home, making it harder for thieves to capture the signal. It is recommended to store the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag, which prevents the signal from being intercepted.
Additionally, if purchasing a second-hand car, owners should consider reprogramming the keys to ensure that any previous codes are erased. This precautionary measure reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the vehicle by potential previous owners or thieves in possession of a duplicate key.
Finally, Essex Police suggest turning off the wireless signals on key fobs when they are not in use. By deactivating the signal transmission, car owners can minimize the chances of criminals intercepting the key's signal and attempting a relay theft.