Car theft in the UK has evolved. Gone are the days of smashed windows and hotwired ignitions. Today, 70% of stolen vehicles are taken using relay attacks on keyless entry systems, costing insurers over £1.2 billion per year. Here's how it works and how to protect yourself.
How a Relay Attack Works
It takes two criminals and less than 60 seconds:
- Criminal 1 stands near your house with a relay amplifier. This device detects the weak radio signal from your car key — even through walls, doors and windows.
- The amplifier boosts the signal and transmits it to Criminal 2, standing next to your car on the driveway.
- Criminal 2 holds a transmitter that receives the boosted signal. Your car thinks the key is right next to it.
- The car unlocks and starts. The thieves drive away in seconds.
Which Cars Are Most at Risk?
The most stolen cars in the UK include:
- Ford Fiesta — 4,446 thefts reported in 2024, consistently the UK's most stolen car
- Volkswagen Golf
- Ford Focus
- BMW 3 Series
- Toyota RAV4 and Toyota C-HR — hybrid SUVs are increasingly targeted
Criminals are shifting their focus towards hybrid and premium SUVs, which command higher resale values.
How to Protect Your Car
1. Faraday Pouch
The simplest and cheapest protection. A Faraday pouch (or signal-blocking box) blocks the radio signal from your key, making relay attacks impossible. Keep your keys in one whenever you're at home. They cost as little as £5–£10.
2. Steering Wheel Lock
A visible deterrent that makes your car much harder to drive away quickly. Thieves want speed — anything that slows them down makes them more likely to move on to an easier target.
3. Disable Keyless Entry
Many cars allow you to disable the keyless entry feature through the infotainment system or by pressing a button on the fob. Check your owner's manual — it's worth the minor inconvenience of pressing a button to unlock.
4. Park Defensively
Park in well-lit areas, ideally in a locked garage. If on a driveway, consider blocking the car with another vehicle. CCTV and motion-sensor lights also act as deterrents.
5. Tracker
A GPS tracker won't prevent theft but dramatically increases the chance of recovery. Many insurers offer premium discounts for tracked vehicles.
Check Your Car's Security
Your car's security features directly affect insurance costs and theft risk. Run a free car check on MOTChecker to see your vehicle's full specifications, including the safety and security features fitted to your specific model.