How Easy is it for Thieves to Steal Your Vehicle?
Vehicle theft is on the rise, and car thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods. From key cloning and signal boosting to OBD theft and outright vehicle hijacking, the techniques used to steal cars have evolved, making it easier for criminals to target your vehicle—even from the safety of your driveway. In this post, we’ll explore the most common car theft methods, how you can protect your vehicle, and how installing a vehicle tracker, security camera, or immobiliser can help secure your car and prevent theft for good.
The Growing Threat of Vehicle Theft
According to recent statistics, over 106,524 vehicles were stolen last year in the UK alone, and many of these crimes are preventable with the right precautions. As the technology used by criminals advances, it's crucial for vehicle owners to be aware of the most common theft methods and to take action to safeguard their cars.
How Thieves Steal Vehicles Today
1. Key Cloning and Signal Boosting
One of the most common and insidious methods used by thieves today is key cloning. This involves intercepting and copying the signal from your key fob. Criminals can use specialized equipment to boost the signal from your key fob even when it’s inside your home. Once they have this cloned signal, they can easily unlock and start your vehicle.
How to Prevent It: A Faraday pouch can block the signal from your key fob when it’s not in use, but to take your security a step further, installing a GPS car tracker or vehicle immobiliser can stop thieves in their tracks. These devices make it difficult for criminals to drive away with your vehicle, even if they’ve managed to clone your key.
2. OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) Theft
Thieves can also target your vehicle’s OBD port, which is where a diagnostic tool is plugged in to communicate with your car’s system. Using this method, criminals can reprogram your car’s ECU (electronic control unit) to bypass the ignition system, allowing them to start and drive your vehicle without the key.
How to Prevent It: Fitting an OBD security lock is one option to prevent tampering with your car’s diagnostic port. Additionally, and the more secure option would be integrating an immobiliser system that can stop thieves from making off with your vehicle as the engine would not be able to start without entering a unique pin using a sequence of the factory buttons in the vehicle. GPS trackers can also be paired with immobilisers to track your car’s exact location in real-time.
3. Boosting the Key Signal (Relay Attack)
In a relay attack, criminals use a device to amplify the signal of your key fob and unlock your car, even if the key is inside your house or in your pocket. This attack targets the communication between the car and the key, making it possible for thieves to unlock and start your car in seconds.
How to Prevent It: To protect yourself from relay attacks, the installation of a GPS tracker and immobiliser will help ensure that even if your car is unlocked and started, it will not go far. Cameras can also serve as a deterrent, capturing any criminal activity around your vehicle.
4. Straight-Up Theft
Sometimes, criminals don’t need sophisticated technology. Simply breaking into the car and hot-wiring it or using tools to break the steering lock is still a tried-and-true method for stealing vehicles. While this is less common, it still happens.
How to Prevent It: A vehicle security camera can be an excellent deterrent, capturing footage of any suspicious activity. In addition, a robust steering wheel lock or disk lock can act as a physical barrier, making it much harder for criminals to access your vehicle. But, for the best protection, installing a car tracker and immobiliser system can prevent the vehicle from being driven off, even if a thief breaks in.
Why Choose Vehicle Trackers, Cameras, and Immobilisers?
As vehicle theft becomes more sophisticated, it's important to choose a multi-layered approach to security. Here’s why a combination of GPS car trackers, security cameras, and immobilisers is the best way to protect your vehicle:
Real-Time Tracking: With a GPS tracker, you can track your vehicle in real-time. In the event of a theft, authorities can use this information to recover your car quickly.
Preventing Ignition Start: Immobilisers prevent thieves from starting the car. These systems make it impossible for criminals to drive away with your vehicle, even if they’ve managed to unlock it.
Deterrence and Evidence: A vehicle security camera serves as both a deterrent and a way to capture evidence of theft. With 24/7 monitoring, you can have peace of mind knowing your car is being watched at all times.
Cost-Effective Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for cars with advanced security systems, including GPS trackers and immobilisers. The initial investment can pay off in the long run.
How Our Vehicle Security Solutions Can Help
At Secureaid we specialise in installing advanced vehicle trackers, immobilisers, and security cameras that provide top-tier protection for your car. Our expert team can help you choose the right system for your needs, ensuring your vehicle is protected from theft and giving you peace of mind.
We offer:
State-of-the-art GPS thatcham approved trackers that provide real-time location updates
Immobilsers that prevent thieves from starting your car
High-definition security cameras that monitor your vehicle 24/7
OBD protection kits to stop criminals from tampering with your vehicle’s diagnostic port
Conclusion: Don't Wait Until It’s too Late
Vehicle theft is a growing concern, but with the right security measures, you can protect your car from thieves. Installing a GPS tracker, vehicle immobiliser, and security camera will provide you with a layered defense that ensures your vehicle stays secure.
Don’t leave your car’s safety to chance. Contact Secureaid today to learn more about how we can help you secure your vehicle with the latest technology in vehicle tracking, immobilisation, and surveillance cameras.