A BBC investigation has discovered that devices used for keyless car theft are being sold online for prices exceeding £20,000. These gadgets enable criminals to capture and transmit signals from vehicle keys located inside homes, allowing them to unlock and steal cars without physical entry. As a response to this issue, new legislation is expected that will outlaw the possession of such devices. However, experts suggest that this ban may not effectively deter organized crime groups that rent out these gadgets for high fees while carrying out targeted vehicle thefts.
Price lists and instructional videos found by the BBC indicate some devices can access luxury vehicles, including brands like Lamborghini and Maserati, with prices reaching up to €25,000 (£22,000). A victim, Abbie Brookes-Morris, recounted that her keyless car was stolen from outside her home in Wolverhampton while she was asleep. Security footage captured individuals using a device to scan for the vehicle’s signal, making the theft efficient and alarming for the homeowner.
According to the Office for National Statistics, over 100,000 vehicles were stolen in the last year, with Admiral Insurance reporting that 60% to 70% of these thefts involved keyless models. Some of the devices are disguised as everyday items like Bluetooth speakers, while others employ military-grade technology to hinder tracking devices. Richard Billyeald from Thatcham Research emphasized the shift from opportunistic theft to organized methods that involve substantial financial investments by criminal groups.
Law enforcement faces challenges in addressing this issue due to the distribution of these devices among organized groups. New laws under the Crime and Policing Bill would make it illegal to possess or share such tools, potentially carrying a sentence of up to five years in prison.
To help prevent keyless car thefts, experts recommend using protective sleeves for keys, adjusting vehicle settings to disable keyless entry, and keeping keys away from bedrooms to avoid confrontation.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74jgvp1x49o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss