UK motorists with a specific kind of car have been urged to take a simple safety precaution, after alarming data revealed that between 60 and 70 per cent of vehicles stolen in 2024 were keyless models
Drivers are being warned about leaving their keys in their vehicles over a concerning spike in ‘relay theft’.
Many Brits are blindly unaware that leaving their keyless car fobs lying around could make them an easy victim of high-tech car crime. Unfortunately, car theft has evolved in line with technology, meaning computer-literate criminals can steal vehicles in seconds with advanced electronic devices.
Possibly the most alarming method is known as ‘relay theft‘ — a terrifying technique targeting cars with keyless entry systems. This is where criminals exploit the wireless communication between your car and its key fob.
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Thieves use two small electronic devices: one is placed close to where the key fob is kept — the most obvious areas being window ledges or a hook hanging by the front door — while the other is positioned close to your car.
The first device captures the signal emitted by your key fob and transmits it to the second device near your car, tricking it into believing the key is present and allowing thieves to unlock and start your car without ever physically touching your fob. And the scariest part is that the entire process is practically silent and can take less than half a minute, making it almost impossible for owners to detect until it is too late.
As car finance expert and owner of Simple PCP Claims, Tom Riley, warns: “Most people have no idea how vulnerable their cars are to relay attacks. Thieves can steal a £40,000 car in under 30 seconds using equipment they can buy online for less than £100.”
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Fortunately, there is a smart and simple way to protect your motor from relay theft — a handy, affordable gadget designed to block electromagnetic signals known as a Faraday pouch. When you place your key fob inside a Faraday pouch, it prevents any wireless communication between the fob and your car.
The pouch is made from layers of conductive metal mesh, effectively creating a shield against the signal amplification devices used by thieves. It is strongly recommended that every keyless car owner invest in a Faraday pouch, especially seeing as they can cost less than five pounds, even for a good quality example.
To use a Faraday pouch correctly, always place your key fob inside it whenever you are not using your car, especially at home or at work. Ensure the pouch is fully sealed, as even the smallest gap can allow signals to escape. You can test its effectiveness by standing near your car with the fob inside the pouch — if your vehicle still unlocks, the pouch is not working properly.
Tom added: “A decent Faraday pouch costs less than a fiver but could save you thousands. It’s the cheapest car security upgrade you’ll ever make. There are fake and poor-quality pouches flooding the market that don’t actually block signals. Always buy from reputable brands and test before you trust.”
Between 60 and 70 per cent of the cars stolen in 2024 were keyless models, with a mind-boggling 5,000 per cent increase in people googling ‘how to stop keyless car theft’ in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
People caught carrying devices that can be used for relay theft including signal jammers could face up to five years in jail. Under the Crime and Policing Bill it is illegal to possess, sell, or distribute electronic gadgets designed for theft, however, reports of keyless car theft are still on the rise.
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