As the motor industry advances in more sophisticated and technological ways, so do the methods used by thieves to steal vehicles, in particular, through keyless entry systems. High-end and newer vehicles tend to use this technology and, due to their high resale value, are a magnet for criminals.

Whilst the methods used in vehicle theft are constantly evolving, there are certain measures which motorists can take to minimise their risks of being a victim to theft:

• Install an immobiliser with automatic driver recognition (ADR), sophisticated models such as Ghost and No-Go incorporate technology that prevents relay attacks from occurring.
• Coupling a passive ADR immobiliser with a pro-active S5 tracking device gives greater prospects of recovery. Ensuring that subscriptions are maintained is of paramount importance, as once they lapse, the vehicle will no longer be tracked.
• Keeping ADR fobs away from vehicle keys, and certainly not left in the vehicle, ensures that in the event keys are stolen the protection installed on the vehicle still operates.
• It’s true that keyless cars are no longer the rare commodity they once were, but not all cars have the feature as many new models have keyless entry listed as an additional extra.
• If you contact the car manufacturer, you can also find out if their keyless fob can be switched off overnight or disabled completely.
• Check for any software updates which could make the fob more secure.
• Store the key fob as far away from the front door and windows as possible.
• Keeping the fob in certain containers can block the signal. Metal cases and signal-blocking pouches, often called faraday bags, can shield the fob’s radio signals from thieves.
• To check that it works, put the key in the bag when you’re standing beside the locked car. The doors should stay locked.
• Invest in additional physical in-car security, such as a steering wheel lock to deter criminals.
• Consider where you park your car at night. If it’s often parked in an open or public space, CCTV can help give you peace of mind.
• Double check that the doors are locked when using the remote-locking button on the key, as thieves can block the signal from your remote.
• NB: Cars that can be accessed by pressing a button on a fob are classed as a standard remote fob rather than keyless, and are not considered to be vulnerable to relay attacks.

Source: our insurer partner Zurich