It looks like keyless car theft is indeed a significant issue across the UK, including the West Midlands. Police in South Worcestershire and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner have issued warnings about a rise in these thefts. Thieves commonly use “relay attacks” to exploit keyless technology, often picking up signals from key fobs inside homes. Specific models like Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Range Rover Sport, Land Rover Discovery, VW Golf, and BMW 3 Series are frequently targeted. The recovered data from Tracker shows that 9 out of 10 stolen cars were taken without keys in 2019, and 93% of stolen vehicles were taken this way in 2023. This highlights the ongoing prevalence of this method.
I have all the necessary information to write the blog post, integrating the details about keyless theft methods and how RJ Curling’s services (Autowatch Ghost II immobilisers, Smart Track GPS trackers) provide effective counter-measures.
Is Your Car Truly Safe? Understanding the Threat of Keyless Car Theft in the West Midlands
It’s a convenience many of us now take for granted: simply walking up to your car, touching the handle, and it unlocks. Then, with a press of a button, the engine purrs to life. This is the magic of keyless entry and start systems. But while undoubtedly convenient, this technology has unfortunately opened a new door – quite literally – for car thieves, and the West Midlands is increasingly feeling the impact.
At RJ Curling Vehicle Services, serving Redditch, Worcester, Birmingham, and the surrounding areas, we’re seeing a clear rise in what’s known as keyless car theft. It’s a sophisticated crime that exploits your car’s very design, making it more vital than ever to beef up your vehicle’s security.
The Silent Threat: How Keyless Theft Works
The most common method used by criminals is called a “relay attack.” It’s chillingly simple and incredibly effective, often carried out right outside your home, sometimes while you sleep. Here’s how it typically unfolds:
The Signal Grabber: One thief stands near your car with a device designed to boost signals.
The Key Finder: Another thief positions themselves close to your house – often near a window or door – where your key fob might be left (e.g., on a hallway table, kitchen counter). Their device picks up the faint, low-frequency signal emitted by your key fob.
The Relay: This signal is then “relayed” or amplified by the first thief’s device to your car.
The Deception: Your car is fooled into thinking its key fob is physically present. It unlocks its doors and allows the engine to be started.
This entire process can take mere seconds, often silently, leaving you completely unaware until you discover your driveway empty in the morning. Popular models, including certain Ford Rangers, Toyota Hiluxes, Range Rover Sports, Land Rover Discoverys, VW Golfs, and BMW 3 Series, are frequently targeted due to their prevalence and value.
Why Standard Security Isn’t Always Enough
While your factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser offer a baseline of protection, they are designed primarily to prevent traditional break-ins. They often don’t provide a robust defence against the technological prowess of keyless relay attacks. Thieves invest in readily available hacking equipment, often for as little as a few hundred quid online, making these sophisticated thefts accessible to organised criminal gangs.
Crucial Protection: Your Defence Against Keyless Thieves
The good news is that there are highly effective aftermarket solutions designed specifically to combat keyless car theft. At RJ Curling Vehicle Services, we specialise in fitting and optimising these systems:
Autowatch Ghost II Immobilisers: The Invisible Guardian This isn’t your average immobiliser. The Autowatch Ghost II is a revolutionary CAN-Bus immobiliser that creates a hidden layer of security. It has no visible key fobs or LED indicators to give away its presence. Instead, it requires you to enter a unique, changeable PIN code sequence using existing buttons in your vehicle (e.g., on the steering wheel, door panel) before the car can be driven.
How it protects: Even if thieves manage to perform a relay attack and gain entry to your car, without that specific PIN sequence, the engine simply won’t start. It renders the stolen vehicle useless to them, significantly reducing its appeal to criminals.
s5/s7/fleet GPS Vehicle Trackers: Your Car’s Lifeline If the worst happens and your vehicle is taken, a high-quality GPS tracker dramatically increases the chances of recovery. We fit advanced s5/s7/fleet systems that provide much more than just a pinpoint on a map:
24/7 Monitoring: SmartTrack systems are continuously monitored by a secure control centre.
Rapid Response: In the event of theft, the control centre liaises directly with police to track and recover your vehicle quickly.
Advanced Features: Many s5/s7/fleet systems offer features like motion alerts (notifying you if the car moves unexpectedly), geofencing (alerting you if the car leaves a predefined area), and even battery tampering alerts.
Insurance Approved: Many insurers recognise and often require Thatcham-approved trackers, which can even lead to reduced premiums.
Don’t Become a Statistic
The threat of keyless car theft in our region is very real. While traditional methods like Faraday pouches (signal-blocking bags for your key fob) and steering wheel locks offer some deterrent, for true peace of mind and robust protection, investing in advanced electronic security is essential.
At RJ Curling Vehicle Services, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your valuable asset. We can assess your vehicle’s specific needs and professionally install the right combination of Autowatch Ghost II immobilisers and s5/s7/fleet GPS trackers to significantly bolster its defences.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact RJ Curling Vehicle Services today for expert advice and installation, and drive with confidence knowing your car is truly safe.
