Over 1,150 children charged with vehicle theft in the last three years

Richard Billyeald, chief technical officer at Thatcham Research – the UK’s independent research center for car and engine protection experts – has exclusively given us his top 10 tips for owners to keep their engine safe.

“While any increase in car thefts will worry car owners, we are still a long way from the endemic car crime of the early 1990s, where more than 600,000 cars were stolen in a single year, with thieves mostly using equipment. found in a toolbox,” he explained.

Over the years, automakers have added layers of security to successfully deter opportunistic thieves. Vehicle theft is now largely the preserve of sophisticated criminal gangs, who use digital kits to navigate mechanical security.

Keyless entry systems are problematic and can be exploited by thieves using a technique known as the “Relay Attack.” Many car manufacturers now offer countermeasures with new vehicles, such as motion sensor fobs. However, all new cars with keyless entry systems should have a fix for this long-standing vulnerability.

“Drivers should go into the dealership with their eyes open for safety and have a checklist of questions around keyless entry, connected systems, apps, alarms and immobilizers.”

1. Always check that the handles are locked after using a keyfob

If you leave the vehicle unattended, make sure the vehicle is locked and the windows are open. Listen for the locking sound and see if the lights flash or the mirrors fold.

Make sure the vehicle is locked yourself, as criminals can sometimes block your key fob lock signal. The electronic control unit inside may be at greater risk of tampering when the vehicle is left unlocked.

Ensure (if equipped) that double locking of doors and alarm are active (refer to owner’s manual).

2. Keep valuables out of sight of prying eyes

Out of sight out of mind. Make sure valuables are removed from your vehicle or kept out of sight. This includes valuables such as bags, laptops, electronic equipment, documents and tools.

3. Do you have an alarm and immobilizer?

Make sure your vehicle is fitted with Thatcham Research certified alarm and immobilizer systems. Consider upgrading your vehicle security with a certified aftermarket tilt sensor alarm, immobilizer and tracking system.

Some insurance policies require the fitting of a tracking device, so it is important that all associated monitoring service subscriptions are maintained.

4. Invest in old-fashioned security systems as a next-level deterrent

Consider using a physical immobilizer such as a steering wheel lock or gear clamp. These not only provide an extra layer of security, but also act as a significant visual deterrent to thieves.

5. Think about where your car is parked when not in use, especially at night

If the vehicle is unattended, place the vehicle in a safe and well-lit area, preferably monitored by CCTV. Park the car in a way that makes it inconvenient for a thief to remove; parked close to your home (so the thief has to back up), or may be in the way of other cars.

Park your vehicle overnight in a garage, if you have one. Lockable driveway gates also provide another physical and visual deterrent to thieves.

6. Make sure your keys are safe

Do not leave the vehicle unattended and running with the keys in the ignition in cold weather. Keep keys, including spare parts, out of sight of windows and doors. And think about where the spare key is kept and who has access to it.

If you purchased your vehicle second-hand with only one working key, please visit an authorized repair center to have the missing key(s) removed and a spare added as soon as possible.

Be aware of the technology in your vehicle and the functions of your key fob. If it uses Passive Keyless Entry and Start (PKES) it may be susceptible to a method of theft called the ‘Relay Attack’ and you should therefore consider storing key fobs as far from the outside perimeter of the house as possible.

And check your owner’s manual to see if there’s a PKES locking feature that can be activated at night or when you’re not using the vehicle for an extended period of time.

For added protection, consider using a Faraday signal blocking pouch for master and spare keys – test if it works by putting your remote in the pouch, walking to your car and seeing if the door opens. Make sure the pouch you buy is designed to hold keys, not credit cards.

Many car manufacturers have now introduced motion sensor fobs, which go into sleep mode when not in use and cannot fall victim to the Relay Attack. Check with your dealer to see if your vehicle has security enhancements.

Always keep in mind that criminals can clone the car key at any time. Consider this when you leave with untrusted parties or services you haven’t used before.

Check that the business is affiliated with an accredited code of conduct/professional standard, such as The Motor Ombudsman or the British Parking Association’s Park Mark Scheme.

7. Carry out relevant checks so that your engine does not hit stones

Make sure your vehicle has lockable wheel bolts that secure the vehicle’s wheels.

8. Get a dashcam that starts recording when there is a security breach

Consider in-vehicle camera options that upload recorded data to the cloud or an app. If it only records on a memory stick, that will disappear if the car is stolen. Those that offer “parking mode” can detect motion and record when they are parked. This provides supporting evidence for both your insurer and the police.

9. Many modern cars now have security alert systems – but you have to pair them with your smartphone

Does your vehicle offer connectivity? Does it provide theft alerts through a phone app? If so, make sure all theft alerts are active.

10. Clear saved information from a car you are selling

Some car apps and connected systems may grant access to the previous owner. If permissions remain active, ensure that all permissions and data associated with the previous owner are removed.

And if you’re selling a car, make sure you erase all stored information before handing over the keys to a new owner. Connected cars can store all kinds of personal information and still be connected to your devices – all of which can be used to identify when your car or property may be vulnerable.

Refer to the user manual to delete all saved data.