What is relay theft, and how do you stop it?
Your car key never left the bowl in your hallway, yet your car left the driveway at three in the morning. That is relay theft, and it has become one of the most common ways modern vehicles are stolen in the UK. The good news is that it is also one of the most preventable, once you understand what the thieves are actually doing.
How relay theft works
Keyless entry systems work by having your car and your key exchange a short range radio signal. Relay thieves work in pairs: one stands near your home with a device that picks up the signal from your key inside, and the other stands by your car with a second device that receives the relayed signal. Your car believes the key is present, unlocks, and starts. The whole process can take less than a minute and requires no forced entry at all.
Which vehicles are at risk
Any vehicle with keyless entry and keyless start is a potential target, and thieves concentrate on models that are valuable, easy to sell on, or both. Insurers respond to this by requiring Thatcham approved trackers on many high risk, newer and prestige vehicles before cover begins, most often specifying category S5 for those vehicles and S7 for others.
The defences that stop it
No single measure is perfect, which is why we recommend thinking in layers. A signal blocking pouch for your keys costs very little and removes the easiest attack. An immobiliser adds a hurdle that a relayed signal cannot clear, because the engine will not start without your secure PIN or fob. A Thatcham approved S5 tracker with driver ID tags goes further still: if the vehicle moves without your tag present, the control room is alerted covertly within seconds, and a Level 1 police response can be initiated to recover the vehicle.
The flagship systems we fit combine driver recognition with engine immobilisation, so even a thief who relays your key signal successfully finds that the vehicle will not drive. And with a hidden ghost asset tracker on board, removing the main tracker does not take the vehicle off the map.
Thinking about protecting your vehicle?
Browse Thatcham approved trackers with professional fitting included, from £174 inc. VAT. Or call the S4V helpline on 01622 528468 for free, no obligation advice.
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