How Vehicles Are Stolen in 6 Seconds, And How You Can Prevent It

A recent report from Which? has revealed just how vulnerable vehicles are when it comes to theft and break ins, and the results are very discouraging.  

The Sun have also conducted an investigation and their team found that by using a technique called ‘relay’, criminals can break into some key-less cars in less than 6 seconds.  

The ‘relay’ method is a high-tech technique that criminals use to replicate a key-less signal. Between two criminals, one will activate a signal (by simply trying the car door), while the other holds a legal device nearby which the signal bounces off towards the targeted Key fob. The cars fob will then react by sending a signal back, seamlessly opening the car door.  

The suns investigation team found a Moscow-based company selling ‘relay’ devices online, and The society of Motor &Traders told The Sun that they take Scanner thefts “extremely seriously” and that they are working with the UK Government, insurers and police forces closely to stop the sale of the legal equipment that actually has no legal purpose. The police say that they can only arrest somebody caught with a ‘relay’ device if they can prove intent to steal.  

Vehicle manufactures are each dealing with the issue at their own pace. Ford is saying that they will be introducing a fob sleep mode which will activate if the fob has been still for more than 40 seconds, Skonda have claimed that they are developing a similar system, and others such as Volkswagen, Nissan and Volvo all saying that they’re making a effort to improve vehicle security.  

And while this method of car theft is quick, quiet and often inconspicuous, the risk is not limited to just cars—vans are just as, if not more so, at risk of a targeted attack.  

In March 2018, Commercial Fleet reported data from Tracker which painted an extremely bleak picture for van owners too.  In 2017, 82 percent of vans were stolen without the need for a keys. This  statistic is up 44 percent form 2016, and Commercial Fleet said commented that Ford Transit Vans were the most targeted. This could be due to the common keeping of expensive work tools in the back of vans, with the cost of replacing tools being called out as a huge burden following a vehicle theft.  

To ensure van and tool protection there are some very simple methods that can be implemented straightway to minimize the risk of theft, such as marking your tools so you can be identified as the owner,  keeping your keys stored away from the perimeter of a building overnight and in a metal key box–which in turn may block the signal of any trying criminal using a relay device. Also, perhaps think about installing a steering lock, blocking the doors to the vehicle when parked and taking out tool Insurance. 

These are all basic security measures, but for those serious about keeping criminal activity at bay, there are more advanced measures that can be put in place such as:  

• Installing an on board CCTV system that provides mobile alerts if motion is detected. Badly lit and large car parks can attract thieves and vandals who think they won’t be seen. CCTV Cameras can act as a visual deterrent to opportunist criminals. 

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• Installing a tracking device, so a mobile vehicle will always be seen. Stolen vehicles can also be tracked using DSS-M software and potentially help police to recover the vehicle. 

For both of these systems,  the most reliable system to use is DAHUA Mobile Solutions, whose systems are designed and tested to for reliability when installed in harsh vehicle environments.

Features of DAHUA Mobile Solutions include:

Have you experienced vehicle theft? And would you like to share your story to help others? If so, get in touch today