Car Theft (Quick Tips)
To protect your keyless entry from being a victim of relay theft, here some are some quick tips:
Keep your car keys safe – Use a blocking pouch
- Car key burglaries are on increase, why not keep your car keys in a safe!
- If you have a ‘keyless entry’ car then make sure your keys are kept well away from doors and windows.
- Keep your car key in a screened box/tin/bag so that the signal can’t be ‘grabbed’ from the outside and used to open your car – and don’t forget to do the same with any spare set!
- Use a Signal Blocking Pouch (Faraday Bag)
- Signal Blocking pouches can stop access to your vehicle by blocking your car key fob from transmitting its code to the vehicle, as the pouches are lined with layers of metallic material.
- Fact: Signal Blocking pouches are also known as Faraday Bags or Pouches
- Putting your keys in a signal blocking pouch will stop any thieves from being able to amplify the signal used in relay theft.
- These pouches are cheap to purchase as well, from as low as £5, they can also be used to block WI-FI and Bluetooth signals on Mobile Phones.
Turn off Keyless Fob’s Wireless Signal
- Do you have a keyless fob? Wireless signals on some keyless fobs can be switched off.
- To turn off you should look in your cars manual to see if you can do this.
- If you can’t find anything in your manual about turning off your fob you should contact the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Use a Steering Wheel Lock and/or Car Alarm
- Yes, we know, you threw out the wheel lock back in the 90’s.
- Most modern car thieves are equipped with laptops rather than hand tools, so mechanical devices – such as steering wheel locks – can be a real deterrent.
- When purchasing a security device look out for 3rd party approval such as Sold Secure, whereby the product is tested against tools used by criminals such as Crowbars and Angle Grinders.
- If you haven’t got a factory-fitted alarm you may be able to reduce the cost of your car insurance by fitting a car alarm.
- Check with your insurer that the alarm is approved, as the quality can differ with car alarms.
- The single most cost-effective way to reduce your insurance premium is to fit an immobiliser, just make sure it’s professionally fitted.
Park defensively…
- Parking your car in a garage overnight is ideal but make sure you ask an MLA locksmith to undertake a security check.
- If you’re parking on your driveway, park defensively i.e. as close to your property as you can so that access is made difficult.
- Consider fitting outdoor motion detector lighting and CCTV, and if you park on the street ensure it’s in an area that is well lit.
Get your windows etched
- Etching the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identity Number (or registration) onto the windows, headlights and mirrors means anybody who tries to alter your vehicle’s identity will have a tough job.