Drivers are being warned that criminals are “upping their game” to steal cars. The RAC has warned that car thieves are developing sophisticated techniques aimed at bypassing vehicle anti-theft devices and motorists are being urged to take action.
The RAC said on December 23 that as technology has evolved in cars, so have the methods of criminals, who are “upping their game” to take vehicles. Advice includes guidance on key fobs, preventing a ‘relay attack’ and even where to park your car.
The advice couldn’t be more relevant to Brummie drivers, as earlier this month, West Midlands Police warned owners of particular car brands were being “specifically targeted.” The force’s traffic team reported seeing a rise in thefts of 4X4 cars, with two brands in particular at a higher risk of theft.
READ MORE: Police list car models thieves are targeting as Midland owners warned
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The police traffic team, which posts on X as @Trafficwmp, issued a warning post on Wednesday, December 18. A @Trafficwmp spokesperson said: “We are seeing an increase in 4×4 thefts specifically targeting recent Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux models. If you have one please consider using after market security devices such as steering locks, immobilisers and trackers.”
In October, Bedfordshire Police also warned about the risks that SUV owners faced. A spokesperson said: “A new warning has gone out to the owners of 4×4 and SUV vehicles after a spate of thefts across Bedfordshire.
“It is believed that the vehicles including Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Toyota Hiluxs, Rav 4s and Jaguars are being targeted and stolen for export.”
According to the latest data from Statista, there were 129,159 vehicles stolen in the UK in 2023, meaning that an average of 356 vehicles were stolen every day. Police statistics show that around three quarters of car thefts in the UK are never solved – so drivers should do everything they can to secure their motor.
RAC advice to stop car thefts
We’ve rounded up the RAC’s top tips, issued in December, about how to stop your car from being stolen. Some of them are obvious, others are more specific, which should be taken into account, especially if you have recently bought a new car.
1) Don’t just rely on your key fob
The RAC said make sure you double check the car is actually locked. Some vehicles will use an audible or visual signal, while others will feature ‘pins’ on the inside of the windows, which will lower when the doors have been locked.
Don’t simply rely on your key fob, as some thieves use ‘jammers’ to intercept the signal between the fob and the car, leaving the vehicle unlocked and vulnerable to theft. These signal jammers might be in a criminal’s pocket or left in the bushes at the side of a car park, so be on your guard.
It might seem like a hassle to check every door, including the boot, but it’s the only sure-fire way of ensuring the car is locked.
2) Avoiding a ‘relay attack’
An increasing number of car thieves are using ‘relay attacks.’ A relay attack involves two criminals working together using electronic signal relay devices.
One will use a device to receive the key signal from inside the home, transferring the signal to a second box, which is placed alongside the car. In effect, this tricks the car into ‘thinking’ the key is there, allowing the thieves to unlock the vehicle and drive away.
Although the signal can pass through doors, walls and windows, it cannot penetrate metal, so place your keys inside a metal box, signal blocking wallet or safe.
3) Parking
The RAC has warned of the dangers of parking in the first space you see. Aim to find a place that is well-lit and open to public view. If you’re at the shops or in a busy town centre car park, you should park close to other shoppers, rather than away from other cars.
Also make sure you take belongings with you when you park.
4) Take out your infotainment system, stereo, and sat-nav
If your car stereo has a front panel that stops it from working when it’s removed, take this with you. If you have a removable entertainment system – make sure that you remove it when you leave your vehicle for an extended period of time.
5) Use locks
The RAC has warned that “old school deterrents” are making a comeback in the digital age. Visual deterrents like locks for steering wheels, pedals and gear sticks are enough to make a thief look for an easier option.
6) Where to keep car keys
As cars have become more secure, stealing car keys has become a top priority. Never leave your keys unattended in public and when you’re at home make sure your keys are both out of sight and out of reach.
However the RAC warns drivers not to take keys into the bedroom, because if a thief is that determined to gain access to a vehicle, it is better to let them take it than put family at risk.
7) Keep your documents at home
The RAC warns that drivers should not leave documents like logbooks or service records in their car. If you’re a victim of car theft, the documents will make it easier for the car to be sold, which could leave you at risk of identity fraud.