A recent investigation by the BBC has uncovered a thriving online marketplace for sophisticated devices capable of facilitating keyless car thefts, with some kits reportedly fetching prices as high as £20,000. These specialized gadgets allow criminals to exploit vulnerabilities in modern vehicle security systems, enabling them to start and drive away vehicles without physical access to the car’s key fob.
The tools typically work by amplifying or relaying the signal from a legitimate key fob inside a home to the car parked outside. This tricks the vehicle into believing its owner’s key is present, allowing the doors to unlock and the engine to start seamlessly. The widespread availability of such high-tech equipment online presents a significant challenge for law enforcement and vehicle owners alike, contributing to a rise in thefts targeting keyless entry models.
While the sale and possession of these keyless theft devices are currently not prohibited by law, the government has acknowledged the severity of the issue. Authorities have indicated plans to introduce legislation aimed at making the ownership of these specific car theft enabling gadgets illegal, in an effort to curb the illicit trade and mitigate the growing threat to vehicle security. This proposed ban is expected to provide police with greater powers to tackle organized crime groups involved in car theft.
