Car theft doesn't always look like how you'd expect. It might be an unlocked door, a cloned key, or a quick signal hack that tricks your car into unlocking itself.
What most methods have in common is this: they take advantage of gaps in the technology we rely on every day.
With car parts in high demand, theft is still a real risk. So how can you protect your vehicle and avoid the stress that comes with losing it?
Here's what you need to know.
What are the main types of car theft?
According to Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker, there are 8 main types of theft:
- Keyless car theft
- Hanoi burglary
- Turbo decoder theft
- Transponder key cloning
- On-board diagnostics compromise
- Electronic control unit replacement
- Car key code grabbing
- GPS jamming device
If you're buying a used car, it's always worth doing a stolen car check to make sure everything's ok before you buy the car.
Below, we'll take a closer look at each technique and share some tips on how to protect yourself from them.
1. Keyless car theft
Keyless entry car theft - or relay theft, usually involves 2 offenders and a bit of smart tech.
One uses a relay transmitter, the other an amplifier. Together, they trick your car into thinking your key is right next to it. That's all it takes for the vehicle to unlock, start, and be driven off without a trace.
Securing against keyless car theft
Keyless theft relies on signal detection, so blocking that signal is your best line of defence.
Here's how to do it:
- Check if your key has sleep mode. Some newer systems let you disable the signal when it's not in use. A simple press of a button could make a big difference.
- Use a metal container. It sounds basic, but storing your keys in something metal (like a biscuit tin) can help block the signal.
- Get a Faraday pouch. These signal-blocking pouches are designed to stop relay theft in its tracks - just make sure your key actually fits inside, as some are only made for cards.
2. Hanoi burglary
This type of theft starts at home. Thieves break into your house specifically to steal your car keys and then drive off with your vehicle.
It's most commonly seen in Wales, Scotland, and the north of England and gets its name from Operation Hanoi, a police initiative created to crack down on it.
Securing against Hanoi burglary
Lock all your doors and windows, especially at night or when you're out - stopping them from getting inside in the first place is key.
Keep car keys out of sight and out of reach, ideally locked in a drawer or cabinet.
3. Turbo decoder theft
Turbo decoders are specialist tools used by locksmiths, but they're also being exploited by car thieves.
They work by slipping into a manual door lock and mimicking the shape of your key, making it possible to unlock the car without force. Thieves often pair turbo decoders with other methods to steal vehicles quickly and quietly.
Securing against turbo decoder theft
Layered security is your best defence. Consider:
- Installing an alarm
- Using a steering wheel lock
- Installing an immobiliser or tracking system
Anything that slows them down or increases the risk of getting caught can help keep your car safe.
4. Transponder key cloning
This one's all about access.
Criminals copy the electronic signal from your car key - often after handling it at a garage, valet, or car wash - and use it to clone the key.
They'll then return the original key back to you, so you don't realise anything's wrong. But the cloned version can still unlock and start your car later.
Securing against transponder key cloning
Be cautious about who you hand your car keys to. Always check the reputation of garages and car services in advance.
Adding visible deterrents like steering wheel locks or gearstick locks can also make your car a far less appealing target.
5. On-board diagnostics (OBD) compromise
The OBD port sits under your dashboard and helps mechanics check your car's systems. But in the wrong hands, it can be used to steal your car.
Thieves can break in using tools like turbo decoders, then plug a device into the port to access key data and program a new key, giving them full control of your vehicle.
Securing against OBD compromise
The trick here? Multi-layered security. Even if they get inside, visible deterrents like a steering wheel lock or handbrake lock can make the job harder and not worth the risk.
6. Electronic control unit (ECU) replacement
The ECU is your car's onboard computer - it controls the engine and other systems. And like most tech, it can be hacked.
This method isn't quick, so it's more often used on commercial vans left parked overnight. Thieves break in using tools like turbo decoders, then swap out the ECU with a blank one. This means they can start the vehicle and drive away without setting off alarms.
Securing against ECU replacement
Because this type of theft takes time, visible security is your best solution. Think steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, or even a GPS tracker - anything that makes the job slower, riskier, or not worth the effort.
7. Car key code grabbing
This one's sneaky.
Thieves lurk in places like supermarket car parks, scanning for signals from electronic key fobs. As you lock your car, they intercept the signal and copy the code, which they can then load onto a blank key.
Securing against car key code grabbing
A good old-fashioned steering wheel lock can make your car a much harder target. And if someone nearby seems a bit too interested in what you're doing, trust your instincts and stay alert.
8. GPS jamming device
This one targets your security system, not the car itself.
Some drivers fit GPS trackers so their car can be found if it's stolen. But thieves can use jamming devices to block the tracker's signal, making the car harder to trace.
Securing against GPS jamming
If you've got a tracker, check what tech it uses.
Some systems use very high frequency (VHF) instead of GPS. These aren't affected by jammers, so your car can still be found even if someone tries to block the signal.
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