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Find out what Keyless car theft is & how to prevent your keyless entry car being stolen. Learn if your car is keyless entry & what car models are at risk as keyless car theft (relay theft) is a crime on the rise.
To skip to our Keyless car theft prevention tips click here.
A recent report from consumer group Which? found that four of the five best-selling models of cars in the UK are all at risk from “keyless theft”.
As the UK’s largest trade association for locksmiths, many of our members are auto locksmiths so have knowledge with car keys and locks.
What is Keyless Car Theft?Keyless car theft (aka Relay Theft) is where the signal from a key for a so-called “Keyless entry” car is captured by somebody standing outside the victim’s house using a device.
Step 1 – The device transmits the signal to somebody else standing by the victim’s car.
Step 2–  This then fools the car into thinking the key is near it, and so it allows the doors to be opened and ignition to be started.
How far do thieves need to be from my car keys?Thieves only need to be within a few metres from your car keys to capture the signal.   We will tell you how you can stop thieves capturing your car key signal shortly.

Cars with keyless entry are at risk to relay theft
Relay Crime is NOT newExamples of ‘keyless’ or ‘relay’ attacks on vehicles aren’t new.
“Keyless car theft can take only 20-30 seconds”
Sadly our locksmith members do frequently hear of cases of lock picks, electronic devices, key cloning gadgets and other tools being used by opportunist thieves.
What device is used in Relay Car Theft?Relay crime is when a certain type of specialist electronic equipment captures the signal from the Key and transmits it to a receiver that somebody standing next to the car has.
Is My Car Keyless Entry?If you have to push a button on your car keys to enter your car, you are not at risk of being “hacked”.
Only cars with a keyless entry system can be stolen using so called “relay” equipment.
Keyless entry cars allow the driver to unlock and start the car with the key fob still in their pocket.  Once in the car, the driver can press a button to start the engine.
Car Models at threat to relay theftAny car with keyless entry is at a threat to relay crime.
Popular models found to such as a Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai and Ford Focus are all at risk.
This was reported by the BBC in their Hundreds of popular cars ‘at risk of keyless theft article which included research analysed data on keyless – or “relay” attacks on cars.
View Keyless Cars Tested
A study was carried out by General German Automobile Club (ADAC), who tested 237 keyless cars and found 230 vehicles could all be unlocked and started using Relay Crime.
How long does it take to steal the vehicle?Keyless car theft can take only 20-30 seconds.
Keyless Entry Cars Tested Against Keyless Car Theft In 2019 launched a security rating for keyless entry car models and how they performed against relay theft, below are the results.
PASSED Vehicle Models of Keyless Car Theft TestThe following keyless entry car models PASSED relay attack test and were given a superior security rating:
Keyless Entry Vehicle Model
Pass Or Fail


Security Rating


Audi e-tron
Pass
Superior

BMW 1 Series / 7 Series / 8 Series
Pass
Superior

BMW X6 / X7
Pass
Superior

Ford Puma
Pass
Superior

Jaguar XE
Pass
Superior

Land Rover Evoque
Pass
Superior

Mercedes B-Class
Pass
Superior

Porsche 911
Pass
Superior

Porsche Macan
Pass
Superior

Volkswagen passat
Pass
Superior
FAILED Vehicle Models of Keyless Car Theft TestThe below keyless entry car models FAILED Thatchams relay attack test and were given a poor security rating:
Keyless Entry Vehicle Model
Pass Or Fail


Security Rating


DS3 Crossback
Fail
Poor

Ford Mondeo
Fail
Poor

Kia ProCeed
Fail
Poor

Lexus UX
Fail
Poor

Hyundai Nexo
Fail
Poor

Mazda 3
Fail
Poor

Toyota Corolla
Fail
Poor

Toyota RAV-4
Fail
Poor

Volvo V60
Fail
Poor

To view Thatchams up to date security rating results click here.
Prevent Keyless Car Theft ( Quick Tips )To protect your keyless entry from being a victim of relay theft, here some are some quick tips:
1. Keep your car keys safe – Use a blocking pouchCar 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.