Overall, vehicle theft is still much lower compared to previous decades. In 2003, around 300,00 vehicle related thefts were reported to the Police according to data from RAC insurance. The evolution of anti-theft technology is assumed to have been a significant factor in reducing that figure  to under 100,000 in ten years.  

But with the figure now on the rise, conversations on the security of keyless entry are getting louder. 

Your key is a transmitter and the receiver is somewhere in the car. Paired to the same pseudo-random-number generator, they use a rolling code system to generate a new code every single time the car locks. The keys and car are synced to generate exactly the same number every time. The transmitter and receiver communicate on a very weak signal and only when the transmitter and receiver prove their numbers match will the car unlock.

If you were trying to guess the next number in the pattern, you’d have less than a one in a trillion chance of getting it right.

That’s all very impressive… so why are some people arguing key less entry vehicles are at risk?

Relay theft doesn’t demand much skill. It’s very quiet. It’s very cheap. For the criminal, it’s very safe.

Keyless entry vehicles unlock once the transmitter (key) and the receiver (somewhere inside the car) have proved their random numbers match. To do this the key and car must be close to each other. They communicate on a very weak frequency, not strong enough to reach more than a few metres.

If you amplify the signal coming from the key, suddenly its possible to open the car from much larger distances.

Using an amplifier device it’s possible to trace your keys signal and amplify it to a secondary transmitter. As far as the car can tell, the crooks secondary transmitter is your key. The random number on the false transmitter matches the one it has and it will unlock the car.

News reports on the subject suggest you can purchase both of these devices on the internet for less than £50. 

Keep The Keys Far Away From Windows Or Doors