Technology can be a blessing and a curse, but most people wouldn’t think their car keys would fall into that category.
However, that’s exactly what’s happening as the UK’s National Police Chief’s Council is warning drivers about keyless entry systems.
Provisional figures have shown a 3.1% increase in car thefts between May and June, and the council said the “bulk of this increase is from keyless theft.” They went on to explain that “organized crime gangs” are using relay technology to receive the signal from a key located inside a house. They then transfer the signal to a portable device, which allows them to unlock a vehicle and drive away.
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Given this, the National Police Chiefs’ Council is urging drivers to store their keys in metal tins or protective pouches that prevent signals from escaping their confinement. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims added, “Whilst the rapid development of technology has dramatically improved the experience of drivers, it has also allowed criminals to exploit weaknesses in electronic security. We are working closely with car manufacturers to help them design out crime by sharing intelligence and equipment seized from criminals.”
Authorities are also doing their part as the council noted Leicestershire Police recently secured the conviction of seven members of a gang, which was involved in more than 50 keyless thefts involving vehicles totaling £2.4 ($3.3 / €2.8) million. This follows a bust in Liverpool, where five people were sentenced for the theft of cars totaling around £2.6 ($3.6 / €3.0) million.
Keyless thefts have been on the rise and it’s not hard to understand why as thieves can steal your car in less than 20 seconds. Automakers have been working to improve the security of keyless entry systems and Dodge recently announced a “double verification” system, which will limit the engine speed of certain high-performance models to 675 rpm unless a correct PIN is entered into the infotainment system.