The Labour government is facing urgent calls to introduce new legislation to protect millions of British drivers, as thefts of keyless cars surge to their highest level in 15 years.
The Soaring Scale of Keyless Crime
New data from vehicle recovery firm Tracker reveals a stark picture. Between January and October this year, the company retrieved vehicles worth more than £35 million – the highest annual total since 2010. Alarmingly, 93 per cent of those recovered vehicles were stolen without the thieves ever having possession of the owner's keys.
Criminals are exploiting keyless entry systems using a method called a relay attack. Using electronic devices readily available online, thieves intercept the signal from a car's key fob, often from inside the owner's home. This signal is then relayed to the vehicle, tricking it into unlocking and starting as if the legitimate key were present.
Industry Experts Demand Legislative Action
Mark Rose, Managing Director of Tracker, issued a direct plea to ministers. He warned that organised crime groups are investing in these devices due to the high profit potential from stolen vehicles.
"Without meaningful action in the shape of robust legislation, such thefts will continue to rise unchecked," Mr Rose stated. "More drivers will become victims, suffering the emotional and financial impact. The time for that action is now."
Tracker has campaigned for years against the sale of devices that intercept key fob signals and jam GPS trackers. Currently, prosecution for possessing such tools is only possible if police can prove they were used in a specific crime.
What Would the New Laws Do?
The proposed new laws would significantly tighten restrictions. They would make it an offence to possess, import, manufacture, adapt, or distribute these electronic theft devices.
"Under the new laws proposed, anyone who is found in possession of one, or to have imported, made, adapted or distributed them, will bear the consequences and rightly so," Mr Rose emphasised.
This legislative shift aims to close a loophole that currently allows the tools of the trade to circulate with relative impunity, putting the onus on criminals before a specific theft occurs. With the trend showing no sign of slowing, the pressure on the government to act is mounting rapidly.
