Six ways thieves can break into a car and how to prevent it

THE DAYS of hotwiring cars are long gone. Today’s thieves use a multitude of sophisticated mechanisms to build up access to cars and embark the engine. The police and the insurance industry are playing catch-up as technologies evolve and adapt quickly to modern cars.

Below we outline the most common methods used to break into and make off with vehicles that have keyless entry systems and keyless embark buttons — and how to protect yourself from them.

What is signal jamming?

This is the most common way thieves build up access to a car. A device transmitting on the same radio frequency as remote key fobs is used to jam the signal that locks the car. The gadget might be in the pocket of a crook in a car park, or left in shrubbery near a driveway being targeted. When owners press the lock button on their key fob, the directive is prevented from reaching their vehicle and it remains unlocked. Thieves are left with an open door.

• Used for: Gaining access to vehicles, usually to steal valuables inwards.
• Avoid being a victim: Make sure the indicators flash when you press the lock button and listen for the clunk of locks.

What is signal relaying?

Keyless systems use a plain process. Vehicles emit a short-range “friendly” radio signal that carries only a few yards. When the correct key fob is close by, the fob recognises the signal and transmits its own code, instructing the vehicle to unlock the doors. The same process is used for the ignition on cars with commence buttons.

Thieves have begun using wireless transmitters held close to a target vehicle to capture its radio transmission. This is relayed to another device held by an accomplice close to the key fob, which might be in the pocket of the holder at a motorway services, or by a window at home. It fools the fob into thinking that it is next to the car, prompting the release of the unlock code. Once the thief is inwards the car, the process can be repeated to commence the engine.

• Used for: Gaining access and then stealing vehicles.
• Avoid being a victim: Keep keys out of look at home. When out, carry them in a shielded wallet or aluminium tin.

What is key programming?

Whether thieves break a window or use the jamming mechanism above, once they’re inwards the car, those vehicles with a begin button rather than an ignition key can be plain to steal.

Every car sold in the past ten years has been required to have a standard diagnostic port fitted. This is typically located in the front footwell. Computer hackers have developed devices that butt-plug into the port, boot up a vehicle’s software and then program a blank key fob. In keyless cars this can be used to begin the engine as well as unlock the doors. The time needed for the programming process is as brief as fourteen seconds. The cost of programming gadgets on foreign websites is as low as £10.

• Used for: Stealing a vehicle once the crook is inwards.
• Avoid being a victim: Fit a lock to your diagnostic port and use extra security such as a steering-wheel lock.

What is close range testing?

Some keyless fobs may still be in range of the car when if left inwards the house near enough to the vehicle. Thieves can discreetly check by attempting the door treats, which may unlock the doors, but are unlikely to be able to drive off in the car if they do get inwards: keyless systems require a fob to be inwards the car before the engine will embark.

Even if owners do not fall victim to thieves, they may end up with a plane battery because the proximity of the key keeps electronic systems on standby.

• Used for: Gaining access to a vehicle.
• Avoid being a victim: Find a safe place for your keys at home and check to ensure they are out of range.

What is code grabbing?

Thieves armed with advanced gadgets are thought to lie in wait for desirable cars. When the possessor locks the doors, the signal is captured by the device, which then calculates the unlock code. However there is little evidence this method is presently being used, some experts are wooed it is a looming threat. Others say it is unlikely.

• Used for: Gaining access to a vehicle.
• Avoid being a victim: Lock the car with a key if possible.

What is app hacking?

This method is uncommonly used but could become popular as car makers attempt to connect their vehicles with owners’ smartphones. Apps that permit drivers to unlock their car can let thieves do the same thing on their own phone if they can log in to the app as the vehicle’s possessor. All they need is the password, which they may steal or guess.

• Used for: Gaining access to a vehicle.
• Avoid being a victim: Create a secure password with letters and numbers.

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