What Is Relay Theft

How Criminals Steal Keyless Cars in Seconds

Modern technology has made driving more convenient, but it has also created new risks for car owners. Relay theft has emerged as a growing threat, allowing criminals to steal vehicles equipped with keyless entry systems without physically touching your keys. Thieves use electronic devices to exploit the wireless signals between your key fob and your car, tricking the vehicle into thinking the key is nearby.

Understanding how relay theft works and taking the right precautions can help you protect your vehicle from this type of crime. As more cars feature keyless technology, awareness of these security vulnerabilities becomes essential for every driver who wants to keep their vehicle safe.

Key Takeaways

• Relay theft allows criminals to steal keyless cars by amplifying the signal from your key fob.
• This type of vehicle crime is increasing as more cars are equipped with keyless entry systems.s
• Simple preventative measures can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.im

Understanding Relay Theft

Relay theft targets the wireless technology in your keyless entry system. Your key fob constantly sends out a low-frequency signal that your car recognises when you’re close by. This signal normally only works within a few metres of your vehicle.

Thieves use two electronic devices to carry out relay attacks on keyless entry systems. One device captures the signal from your key fob, even when it’s inside your home. The second device receives this captured signal and transmits it to your car, making the vehicle believe your key is right next to it.

How the theft happens:

• The first thief stands near your house with a signal amplifier
• This device picks up the signal from your key fob through walls and doors
• The second thief stands by your car with a transmitter
• Your car unlocks and allows the engine to start
• The entire process takes less than 60 seconds

This type of keyless car theft is rising fast because the equipment is relatively cheap and easy to obtain. Criminals often work in pairs during the night when your keys are near windows or front doors.

How Relay Theft Works

Relay theft requires two criminals working together. The method leverages the wireless signals your key fob constantly emits.

The Three-Step Process

The first criminal stands close to your home, typically near your front door, where most people leave their car keys. Meanwhile, the second criminal waits beside your vehicle. The person near your house uses a relay box to capture the wireless signal coming from your key fob inside.

Once captured, this signal travels to a second relay device held by the criminal standing next to your car. The relay box amplifies and extends the signal, fooling your vehicle into believing the genuine key fob is nearby.

Your car receives what it thinks is a legitimate signal from your key. The doors unlock automatically. Because the car’s system has been tricked, the criminals can also start the engine using the push-button ignition.

Why This Method Works

The entire theft takes under 60 seconds to complete. No windows get smashed. No locks get picked. The criminals don’t need to damage your vehicle at all.

This makes relay theft nearly silent. You won’t hear breaking glass or see visible damage. By the time you realise your car has gone missing, organised crime gangs have already driven it away.

Why Is Relay Theft So Successful?

Relay theft works because it exploits how keyless entry systems are built. Your car’s keyless system constantly sends out a signal to check whether your key fob is nearby. This signal normally reaches only 20 to 30 feet.

Criminals use specialised equipment to stretch this signal much farther than it should. The devices can pick up your key’s signal from inside your house and send it to your car parked outside.

Your vehicle thinks the key is right next to it and unlocks the doors. The engine starts without any issues.

Traditional security features fail to stop this method because:

• No windows get broken
• No locks get picked
• No alarms go off
• No immobilisers activate

The theft happens without a physical break-in, so your car sees nothing wrong.

Growing Threat of Keyless Vehicle Crime

Relay theft has increased as more vehicles now include keyless entry and ignition features. Criminals favour this approach because it works quickly and quietly.

Your luxury vehicle faces a higher risk due to its higher resale value and standard keyless systems. Yet you shouldn’t assume your mid-range car is safe either.

Why thieves prefer relay attacks:

• Fast execution in minutes
• No noise or broken windows
• Works with basic equipment
• Hard to detect in progress

More affordable models now include keyless technology as standard. This means keyless car theft is rising fast across all vehicle types and price ranges. Your car’s vulnerability depends more on its features than its cost.

Protecting Your Vehicle Against Relay Theft

1. Store Your Key in a Signal-Blocking Case

A signal-blocking case offers an affordable way to stop relay attacks. These cases contain metal layers that prevent radio waves from reaching your key fob. When thieves cannot detect the signal, they cannot copy it.

Place your key inside the case whenever you’re not driving. This blocks criminals from intercepting any transmission between your key and your car.

2. Position Your Keys Far from Entry Points

Criminals depend on being close to your key fob to steal its signal. Keyless car theft happens when devices trick your car into thinking the key is nearby.

Keep your keys in a central room or upstairs location. Avoid leaving them on hallway tables or near external walls where thieves can reach the signal from outside.

3. Turn Off Your Keyless System

Some manufacturers let you completely turn off the keyless feature. This removes the main weakness that relay thieves exploit.

Check your vehicle handbook for instructions. You may need to visit your dealer to turn this function off. Whilst this means you’ll need to press buttons to unlock your car, it eliminates the risk of relay theft.

4. Add a Physical Steering Lock

A visible steering wheel lock acts as a strong deterrent. Even when thieves unlock and start your vehicle through a relay attack, they cannot remove a physical barrier.

Benefits of steering locks:

• Highly visible to passing criminals
• No batteries or technology required
• Forces thieves to spend extra time at the scene
• Makes your car a less attractive target

Most criminals will choose an easier vehicle rather than risk being caught while removing a lock.

5. Choose Your Parking Location Carefully

Your parking spot affects how vulnerable your car is to theft. Garages provide the best protection because they create a physical barrier between criminals and your vehicle.

When parking outside, select well-lit areas with regular foot traffic. Position your car close to walls or other vehicles to limit access to the doors. The harder you make it for thieves to operate, the more likely they are to abandon the attempt.

6. Keep Your Vehicle Software Current

Modern cars receive security updates from manufacturers. These updates can strengthen your keyless system against relay attacks.

Contact your dealer to check if updates are available for your vehicle. Some cars let you install updates yourself, whilst others require a visit to the garage. Regular updates ensure you have the latest security features.

7. Stay Alert to Suspicious Activity

Technology alone cannot prevent all theft attempts. Watch for people loitering near your home or car park without a clear purpose.

Be cautious when locking your car if you notice anyone standing unusually close. Criminals need to position themselves near your key signal, which means they must be close to you or your home. Report suspicious behaviour to the police.

8. Fit a Tracker or Additional Immobiliser

A tracking device helps recover your vehicle if it’s stolen. Police can quickly locate your car, often before criminals have time to hide or damage it.

Immobilisers add another layer of security that stops the engine from starting. Look for systems designed specifically to prevent relay theft. Some modern trackers combine both tracking and immobilisation features.

These devices work independently of your factory-fitted keyless system. Even if thieves bypass your car’s original security, they still cannot defeat the additional protection.

The Future of Vehicle Security

Car makers recognise the serious threat relay attacks pose to keyless entry systems and are actively developing new technologies to combat them. Some companies now produce key fobs with built-in motion sensors that automatically put the device into sleep mode when it remains still for a set period. This feature stops the signal from transmitting when your keys are on a table or on a hook at home.

Key protective measures you should implement:

• Store your keys in a Faraday pouch to block signals
• Turn off keyless entry features when parked at home
• Fit a GPS tracking device to your vehicle
• Use a steering wheel lock as a visual deterrent
• Park in well-lit areas or secure garages

The battle between vehicle security technology and criminal methods continues to evolve. Thieves adapt their techniques as manufacturers improve their systems, which means you can’t rely solely on factory-installed security features.

Your best defence involves layering multiple protection strategies rather than depending on a single solution. No method offers complete protection against relay theft, but combining several approaches dramatically reduces your vulnerability.

Manufacturers are also exploring ultra-wideband technology and time-of-flight measurements to detect whether your key fob is genuinely near your car or whether criminals are amplifying the signal from a distance. Some newer models include motion sensors in both the key and vehicle that work together to prevent unauthorised access.

Staying informed about emerging threats helps you make better decisions about protecting your vehicle. The convenience of keyless entry doesn’t have to come at the expense of security if you remain vigilant and take sensible precautions. Regular updates from your car manufacturer may include security patches, so keeping your vehicle’s software current matters just as much as physical security measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I protect my car from relay attacks?

You can take several practical steps to reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Store your car keys away from doors and windows, ideally in a metal tin or Faraday pouch that blocks radio signals.

Consider using a steering wheel lock as a visible deterrent. Park your vehicle in a locked garage when possible.

You might also want to turn off your key fob’s wireless signal if your car manufacturer offers this feature. Some vehicle owners use signal-blocking pouches or boxes specifically designed to prevent relay attacks that exploit keyless entry systems.

Additional security measures include:

• Installing a tracking device
• Using a wheel clamp or post
• Fitting an OBD port lock
• Keeping keys in a signal-blocking container overnight

What equipment do criminals use to steal cars through relay methods?

Thieves typically work in pairs using two electronic devices. The first device captures the signal from your key fob, even when it’s inside your home.

The second device receives this captured signal and transmits it to your vehicle. These electronic devices and key cloning tools are relatively easy to obtain online.

The equipment includes:

• Signal amplifiers – boost the range of your key fob
• Relay transmitters – send the signal to the vehicle
• Portable receivers – capture the key’s wireless signal

Criminals can purchase these devices with relative ease, making this type of theft increasingly common.

Which cars are at the highest risk for relay theft?

Vehicles equipped with keyless entry and push-button start systems are the most vulnerable. Premium brands and newer models often come with these features as standard.

Popular makes targeted include BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, and Range Rover. Ford Fiesta and Focus models with keyless systems also appear frequently on stolen vehicle lists.

High-risk vehicle characteristics:

Any car with a passive key system that unlocks automatically when you approach remains susceptible.

Can I tell if someone is attempting to steal my car using relay technology?

Unfortunately, relay theft occurs quickly and often leaves no obvious warning signs. The entire process can take less than 60 seconds.

You might notice suspicious individuals loitering near your property, particularly near doors or windows where keys are kept. Criminals often carry small devices or bags that could contain relay equipment.

Some indicators include:

• People standing unusually close to your home’s exterior walls
• Individuals working in pairs near parked vehicles
• Someone appears to be using electronic devices near your car
• Repeated instances of people walking past your driveway

Your vehicle’s security system typically won’t alert you because the car believes the genuine key is present.

What can be done to enhance the security of keyless entry?

Manufacturers are developing improved security features for newer vehicles. Motion sensors in key fobs can detect when they haven’t moved for a period and automatically enter sleep mode.

You should check if your vehicle offers settings to disable or modify keyless entry behaviour. Some cars let you deactivate the convenience feature entirely in the settings menu.

Security enhancements you can implement:

• Request a software update from your dealer
• Use aftermarket security systems with additional authentication
• Install a ghost immobiliser that requires a PIN
• Fit a Thatcham-approved alarm system
• Add physical security devices as secondary protection

Contact your vehicle manufacturer to enquire about available security upgrades or anti-theft relay systems compatible with your model.

Does car insurance cover losses from relay theft?

Most comprehensive car insurance policies will cover theft, including losses from relay attacks. However, coverage depends on your specific policy terms and conditions.

You must report the theft to the police immediately and obtain a crime reference number. Insurers require this documentation to process your claim.

Your premium may increase after a theft claim. Some policies include excess charges that you’ll need to pay before receiving compensation.

Important considerations:

• Read your policy document carefully for exclusions
• Check if your insurer requires specific security measures
• Verify whether you need Thatcham-approved devices fitted
• Understand your policy excess amount
• Keep proof of all security measures you’ve installed

Contact your insurance provider to confirm what protection you have and whether additional security devices could reduce your premiums.