Keyless Car Theft: How to Keep Your Vehicle Out of the Wrong Hands
You lock the car, bring your keys indoors and head to bed. By morning, the driveway is empty.
No broken window. No forced lock. Perhaps not even an alarm. For some victims of modern vehicle theft, the first sign anything is wrong is simply discovering that their car has disappeared.
It might sound like the beginning of a Halloween story, but technology-assisted vehicle theft is a very real risk. From relay attacks to other electronic methods of gaining access to a vehicle, today's thieves don't always need the physical key to steal a car.
So, how do these thefts happen – and what can you do to make your vehicle a much less tempting target?
What Is Keyless Car Theft?
Modern vehicles can use several different types of electronic locking and security system.
Some have passive keyless entry and start, where the vehicle detects a nearby key fob and allows the doors to be opened – and often the engine started – without the driver pressing a button.
Others use conventional remote central locking, where the driver presses a button on the key fob.
The best-known form of keyless theft is a relay attack, which primarily targets passive keyless entry and start systems.
Criminals can use electronic equipment to relay the communication between the genuine key fob and the vehicle. This can make the car believe the key is nearby, even when it is actually inside the owner's home.
On a vulnerable vehicle, this may allow the doors to be unlocked and the engine started without the thief ever possessing the genuine key.
It's Not Just Relay Theft
Although "keyless theft" and "relay theft" are sometimes used interchangeably, relay attacks are only one way criminals can target modern vehicles.
Depending on the make, model and security system, criminals may also attempt to interfere with remote locking systems, programme additional keys or target a vehicle's diagnostic or electronic network.
That means putting your key in a signal-blocking pouch can be a useful precaution against relay attacks, but it shouldn't necessarily be the only security measure you rely on.
For modern vehicles, layers of security can be particularly important.
How Common Is Electronic Vehicle Theft?
Electronic methods continue to feature prominently in vehicle theft.
According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, manipulation of a remote-locking signal was involved in 46.7% of thefts of vehicles in the year ending March 2025, making it the most frequently reported individual method recorded in the survey.
It's important to keep that figure in perspective. It doesn't mean that 46.7% of all cars are at risk, nor does it mean that every incident involved a traditional relay attack.
Vehicle crime overall has also shown some encouraging movement. Police-recorded vehicle offences fell by 8% in the year ending March 2025 compared with the previous year.
Nevertheless, the figures demonstrate why electronic vehicle security remains something drivers should consider – particularly if their vehicle has passive keyless entry and start.
Seven Ways to Make Your Vehicle Harder to Steal
There's no magic spell that can guarantee a vehicle won't be stolen. Fortunately, there are several practical precautions that can put additional barriers between your car and a potential thief.
1. Keep your keys away from doors and windows
When you're at home, avoid leaving your main key or spare key immediately inside the front door, next to a window or unnecessarily close to the vehicle.
Police guidance recommends keeping keys well away from the car when they're not being used.
2. Use a signal-blocking pouch
If your car has passive keyless entry, consider keeping the key in a suitable Faraday or signal-blocking pouch when it's not in use.
These are designed to block the wireless communication that could otherwise be exploited during a relay attack.
Don't forget the spare key either.
It's also worth testing your pouch periodically. Put the key inside it and try to open your car using its passive keyless function. If the vehicle still detects the key, the pouch may no longer be effectively blocking the signal.
3. Find out whether you can switch the wireless signal off
Some key fobs allow their wireless functionality to be disabled when the vehicle isn't being used.
The method varies by manufacturer and model, so check your handbook or contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership before changing any settings.
4. Don't underestimate a steering wheel lock
With criminals using sophisticated technology, a traditional steering wheel lock might seem rather old-fashioned.
That's partly the point.
Even if a thief manages to overcome a vehicle's electronic security, a visible physical lock presents another problem they need to solve before they can drive away.
Other physical security measures, including pedal locks and appropriately installed immobilisers, can add further layers of protection.
5. Think carefully about where you park
If possible, park in a locked garage, behind secure gates or in a well-lit location.
If several cars are parked on your driveway, consider whether their positioning could make your most valuable or vulnerable vehicle harder to remove.
Motion-sensitive lighting and CCTV can provide additional visible deterrents, although neither should be regarded as a substitute for securing the vehicle itself.
6. Check that the car has actually locked
It sounds obvious, but don't simply walk away and assume your vehicle has locked.
Look for the normal visual confirmation from the lights or mirrors and, where appropriate, physically check the door.
This can also help protect against other techniques criminals may use to interfere with a vehicle being locked.
7. Consider additional vehicle security
Depending on the vehicle and its value, you may wish to consider an approved immobiliser, tracking device or another professionally installed security system.
If you add aftermarket security, make sure it is suitable for your vehicle and check whether your insurer has any particular requirements regarding the type of device or its installation.
What Does Your Car Insurance Cover?
Whether you're covered following a vehicle theft will depend on the type of insurance you have and the specific terms, conditions and exclusions of your policy.
Comprehensive car insurance will generally include cover for theft, but particular policies or vehicles may be subject to specific security requirements.
This can be especially relevant for certain high-value, performance, modified or specialist vehicles, where insurers may specify additional security as part of the policy.
Rather than assuming what is or isn't covered, check your policy documentation and speak to your insurer or broker if you're unsure about any of the requirements.
Keep the Unwanted Visitors Away This Halloween
October might be the season for ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night – but finding an empty space where your car used to be is one Halloween fright nobody wants.
The technology used in vehicle theft continues to evolve, but that doesn't mean drivers are powerless.
Keep your keys securely stored, consider signal protection where appropriate, add a visible physical deterrent and think about vehicle security in layers.
A few extra obstacles could make your car considerably less appealing to somebody who shouldn't be taking it anywhere.
Keyless Car Theft FAQs
What is a relay attack?
A relay attack is a method of vehicle theft that primarily targets cars with passive keyless entry and start. Electronic equipment is used to extend the communication between the genuine key fob and the vehicle, potentially making the vehicle believe the key is nearby.
Can a car without passive keyless entry still be stolen electronically?
Yes. Relay attacks primarily relate to passive keyless systems, but criminals can use other electronic methods to target vehicles. These can include interfering with remote locking systems or targeting a vehicle's electronic or diagnostic systems.
Does a Faraday pouch stop relay theft?
A properly functioning signal-blocking pouch can prevent the wireless signal from a key being captured as part of a relay attack. It cannot prevent every method of vehicle theft, which is why additional physical and electronic security can be worthwhile.
Where should I keep my car keys at night?
Keep your everyday and spare keys away from external doors, windows and the vehicle itself. If you have a passive keyless fob, consider placing it in a suitable signal-blocking pouch or container.
Are steering wheel locks still worth using?
A steering wheel lock provides a visible physical barrier that a thief would need to overcome even if they managed to gain electronic access to the vehicle. Police guidance continues to recommend additional physical security, including locks and immobilisers.
Can I turn keyless entry off?
Some vehicles allow the wireless signal from the key fob or keyless entry function to be disabled. This varies considerably between manufacturers and models, so check your vehicle handbook or manufacturer's guidance.
Does comprehensive car insurance cover keyless theft?
Comprehensive motor insurance will generally include theft cover, but individual policies are subject to their own terms, conditions and exclusions. Certain vehicles may also have specific security requirements, so always check your policy documentation.
