The AA has issued an urgent security alert to motorists across England, urging them to double-check their habits around car keys this winter. The warning comes amid a sharp rise in high-tech vehicle thefts, where criminals use sophisticated equipment to steal cars without ever touching the owner's key fob.
How Relay Theft Puts Your Car at Risk
The breakdown organisation highlighted the growing threat from "relay theft" techniques. Gangs use signal-boosting devices to intercept the wireless signal from a keyless entry fob, often from inside the owner's home. This cloned signal is then used to unlock and start a car parked nearby, all within seconds and without a trace of forced entry.
Many drivers unknowingly make this crime easy by leaving their key fobs in hallways or near front doors and windows. A common habit of storing keys in a bowl by the door provides a perfect target for thieves operating from the street.
Simple Steps to Secure Your Vehicle
Security experts strongly recommend using a Faraday pouch or box. These inexpensive, foil-lined containers block the radio signals from the key fob, making it impossible for criminals to grab the signal. It is a simple and highly effective first line of defence.
In addition, the AA advises a return to physical deterrents like a sturdy steering wheel lock. These visible barriers can deter thieves looking for a quick, silent electronic theft. Combining both electronic and physical security creates a much stronger defence.
Winter Risks and Insurance Implications
The warning is particularly critical during the darker winter months, when longer nights provide more cover for criminal activity. Thieves often target high-value SUVs and luxury models that commonly feature keyless entry systems.
Motorists are also warned to check their insurance policies carefully. Some insurers may refuse a payout if a vehicle is stolen via relay theft and the policyholder has not taken "reasonable" security precautions. Ensuring keys are stored securely away from entry points is now seen as a basic responsibility.
The AA's message is clear: a few simple, proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this increasingly common high-tech crime.
