In today’s society, convenience often comes with a cost, for example, the keyless entry systems in our cars. Even though these technologies provide a smooth experience, they also put us at risk for keyless car theft, sometimes referred to as relay theft. We’ll examine how this crime operates, how well signal-blocking pouches/key fob Faraday cages perform, and why it’s crucial to invest in these safety features to secure your car.
Keyless Car Theft: What Is It?
Cars with keyless entry systems are targeted by thieves using a technique known as “keyless car theft“, “relay theft“, or “relay crime“. It’s a very quick procedure that can take as little as one minute. This is how it works:
Thieves use a gadget to capture the signal from your car key, which could be in your pocket or even inside your home.
- Transmitting to the Car: To fool the other device outside your car into believing the key is close by, this signal is then sent to it.
- Getting in: The vehicle unlocks the doors and turns on the ignition after it detects the key.
This crime, which preys on our dependence on technology, is becoming more and more prevalent, especially given how easy it is to purchase a relay device.
How Faraday Pouches Work
What Are Signal Blocking Pouches?
Signal-blocking pouches, often referred to as Faraday pouches, are bags specially made to block electromagnetic transmissions. Your car keys are protected by a barrier made of materials that block signals from entering or leaving.
Why They’re Effective Against Keyless Car Theft
- Preventing Signal Interception: You can stop criminals from stealing your key fob’s signal by putting it inside of a Faraday bag, which will make relay theft devices useless.
- Versatile Protection: By blocking signals from other gadgets, like credit cards and phones, these pouches can shield you against a variety of electronic threats.
- Simple to Use: When you’re at home or not using it, just slide your key fob into the pouch to increase your security right away.
The Growing Risk of Auto Theft Using Keyless Entry
A National Insurance Crime Bureau survey claims that over the past several years, there has been a notable rise in keyless car thefts.
In some areas, it’s now believed that relay theft methods account for more than 30% of auto thefts.
Strategies to Prevent Theft of Keyless Cars
Step 1: Use Signal Blocking Pouches
As previously mentioned, signal blocking pouches are the best method for vehicle protection. Here are some suggested choices:
- Faraday Bags: We specifically designed these small, lightweight bags for key fobs.
- Faraday backpacks are perfect for people who wish to keep several gadgets safe while they’re out and about.
- Faraday Purses: They look excellent and are both fashionable and practical, protecting your keys.
Step 2: Disable the Wireless Signal on Your Keyless Fob
You can turn off the wireless signal with certain key fobs. To find out if this function is available, consult the owner’s manual or get in touch with the manufacturer.
Step 3: Implement Extra Security Procedures
In addition to Faraday pouches, think about the following ways to improve the security of your car:
- Steering wheel locks: Usually using electrical techniques, burglars may be discouraged by these mechanical safeguards.
- Car alarms are a powerful deterrent that, if authorized, can help reduce your insurance costs.
- Strategic Parking: To lessen the likelihood of theft, always park in well-lit areas or, if at all possible, in a garage.
Step 4: Maintain a Clean Car
An untidy vehicle may draw burglars. Keep expensive things hidden. A burglar can go on to another car if they don’t find anything valuable to take.
The Cost of Not Using Signal Blocking Pouches
Imagine discovering your automobile gone when you wake up one morning. In addition to the inconvenience, the financial cost might be extremely high. What you may encounter is as follows:
- Insurance Deductibles: You can be required to pay a deductible even if you are covered.
- Higher Premiums: An insurance premium increase may result from a theft claim.
- Costs of Replacement: Replacing your stolen vehicle might put a heavy financial burden on you.
- Real-Life Narratives: A Warning
Tom’s Experience
Tom, one of my friends, was recently a first-hand witness to the horror of keyless car theft. With faith in its security features, he parked his brand-new Ford Fiesta outside his house. Little did he know what was in store.
He heard something outside one evening. It was already too late when he reached to look out the window. His car was gone. The police told him that since the criminals had managed to intercept the signal from his key fob, which was resting on the kitchen counter, it was probably a relay theft.
Tom’s experience serves as a sobering warning of the dangers that modern tech poses. In order to secure his new car, he has since purchased a key fob faraday cage.
In conclusion
Taking proactive steps to safeguard our belongings is essential in a society where convenience frequently takes precedence over security. Although keyless auto theft is becoming more common, there are easy ways to protect your vehicles.
One of the best strategies to stop relay theft is to purchase a faraday bag or pouch and consider other security measures (IE: steering lock or tracker) in place.
Keep in mind that a strong offense makes the best defense. Make sure you lock your car NOW before it’s too late!