Tips on how to prevent car theft

Following an increase in reported cases of car theft and valuables being stolen from parked cars, we are sharing tips on how to prevent vehicle theft.

Keyless car theft (also called relay theft) happens when thieves use specialist electronic devices which captures the signal from the car key and transmits it to a receiver that somebody standing next to the car has. If this happens, thieves can start your car and drive it away.

Keyless car theft can take only 20 to 30 seconds. Between 60% and 70% of cars stolen in the UK in the past 12 months were keyless models.

To protect your keyless car from being stolen:

• when at home keep your key fob (and any spares) away from the car, doors, and windows 
• put your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag 
• turn off wireless signals on your key fob when it's not being used 
• use a steering wheel lock or car alarm and consider installing a camera doorbell or CCTV at your home (if you’re a council tenant or leaseholder you will need to ask permission before doing this) 
• park in your garage overnight. If you don’t have a garage park as close to your home as possible. 

 To prevent items being stolen from your vehicle: 

• take any valuables on display in your parked car with you. Items like shopping bags, clothing, sat-navs, keys, sunglasses, wallets and loose change 
• close your windows and sunroofs 
• park in different spots as thieves might notice behaviour patterns and break in when they know you’ll be gone for a long period of time 
• if you keep tools and technical equipment in your car, consider marking it and registering it online 
• try to park in illuminated and staffed car parks 
• install a tracker system which can increase the recovery of your vehicle if it’s stolen.  

If you see theft happening, report it by calling 999 or 101 if it has already happened.