Did you know that every 40 seconds, a car is stolen in the United States, in United Kindom 159 car stolen everyday And that keyless car theft is on the rise, especially for keyless vehicles. If you own a keyless car, you might think your vehicle is safe and secure, but you could be wrong. Thieves have found a new and sophisticated way to steal your car using a relay amplifier in less than a minute. This article will explain a relay amplifier, how it works, and how you can protect your car from being stolen with a simple and affordable solution: a signal-blocking pouch.
But first, let’s look at some recent incidents of keyless car thefts that have shocked the nation:
- In April 2023, a London man discovered his Toyota RAV4 missing from his driveway after thieves used a CAN bus attack to reprogram a key fob and drive away with his car.
- In September 2023, a Michigan man witnessed his Dodge Charger Hellcat stolen from his apartment complex by a thief who used a tablet to hack into his car’s computer system and start the engine. The Charger Hellcat is ranked as the most stolen car in the US.
- Seven men were jailed for their part in the keyless thefts of more than 50 vehicles worth about £2.4m in various counties in England. They used relay amplifiers to capture and amplify the signal from the key fobs of high-value cars such as BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes-Benzes.
- In April 2023, police warned of a rise in keyless car thefts across South England, as criminals used relay amplifiers to steal cars from driveways in less than 60 seconds. One of the victims was a Hampshire woman who watched CCTV footage of her Range Rover being taken from outside her home while she had the key fob inside.
These are examples of how easily and quickly thieves can steal your keyless car using relay amplifiers. But what exactly are relay amplifiers, and how do they work? And more importantly, how can you prevent your car from being stolen using a signal-blocking pouch? Read on to find out.
Recent Keyless Car Theft Story
One evening, a man parked his car in front of his house at around 10 p.m. He had just returned from a long day at work and was looking forward to a peaceful night’s sleep. He locked his car using his trusty key fob and headed inside his cozy home, placing the key fob on a table near the front door without a second thought.
Little did he know that, around 2 a.m., two cunning thieves had quietly made their way to his house. They were dressed in hoodies and masks, concealing their identities. One of the thieves carried a backpack that held an unusual device that appeared to be a JBL Bluetooth speaker but was, in fact, a CAN bus injection tool.
The thief with the backpack approached the side of the house, where he discovered an access point to the car’s CAN bus network near the headlight connector. With nimble hands, he removed the car’s bumper and some trim pieces to reveal the wires beneath. Connecting his device to these wires, he began his nefarious work.
Meanwhile, the other thief had positioned himself near the house’s front door. He possessed a different device designed to capture the signal emitted by the key fob that lay innocently on the table inside. He intercepted the signal precisely and swiftly relayed it to his partner’s device near the car.
The device by the car cunningly impersonated the key fob, sending a series of commands to the car’s security system. In mere moments, the car’s doors unlocked, and the engine immobilizer was disarmed. The thieves had successfully breached the car’s defenses, opening the door and starting the engine without needing physical keys or access co
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This audacious operation was executed with incredible speed, taking less than two minutes from start to finish. The thieves silently drove away in the stolen car, leaving no trace of their activities. Deep in slumber within his home, the car’s owner remained blissfully unaware.
It wasn’t until morning broke, and the owner ventured outside to find his driveway empty, that he realized the extent of the crime that had occurred just a few hours earlier. Turning to his CCTV footage, he witnessed the whole ordeal unfold as the thieves used a CAN bus attack to steal his prized possession.
Devastated, he promptly reported the theft to the police, but they offered little hope of recovering the stolen vehicle. They explained that the car had likely been stripped for parts or transported to a faraway destination, leaving the owner to grapple with the unsettling reality of a car lost to the shadows of sophisticated technology and cunning thieves.
What is a signal blocking pouch, and how does it work?
A signal-blocking pouch is a small bag or case that blocks the radio frequency (RF) signals from your key fob to your car. It acts like a Faraday cage, an enclosure that shields electronic devices from electromagnetic interference. Putting your key fob inside a signal-blocking pouch prevents thieves from intercepting and copying its signal.
How can a signal-blocking pouch protect your car from being stolen in 60 seconds?
A signal-blocking pouch can protect your car from being stolen by preventing thieves from using a relay amplifier to capture and amplify the signal from your key fob to your vehicle. A relay amplifier is a device that can extend the range of your key fob’s signal up to several hundred feet. This means that even if your key fob is inside your house, thieves can use a relay amplifier to trick your car into thinking that the key fob is nearby and unlock it.
Here is a video that shows how fast and easy it is for thieves to steal your car using a relay amplifier:
As you can see, thieves take less than 1 minute to break into your car and drive away with it. This is why keeping your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch at home or when you’re not using your car is crucial. Doing so will block any RF signals from reaching your vehicle and prevent thieves from accessing it.
Where can you get a signal-blocking pouch, and how much does it cost?
You can get a signal-blocking pouch from various online or offline sources, such as Amazon, eBay, Walmart, or your local car accessories store. The price of a signal-blocking pouch can vary depending on the brand, quality, and features, but it is usually very affordable. You can get an excellent signal-blocking pouch for less than $20, which is a small price to pay for the security of your car.
Other ways to protect keyless cars
There are other ways to protect your car from theft besides using a signal-blocking pouch. Here are some tips I found from the web search results:
- Use anti-theft devices: You can install devices that deter or disable thieves, such as alarms, steering wheel locks, kill switches, or tracking systems. These devices can make your car more visible, complex, or risky to steal.
- Park your car protectively: You can choose a parking spot that is well-lit, visible, and secure. You can also park near other cars or in front of a building entrance. Avoid parking in dark, isolated, or unfamiliar areas.
- Make sure you have an immobilizer: An immobilizer is a device that prevents the engine from starting without the correct key or code. Most modern cars have immobilizers built-in, but you can also install an aftermarket one. An immobilizer can prevent thieves from hot-wiring your car.
- Don’t leave valuables in your car: You can remove or hide any items that might attract thieves, such as cash, electronics, bags, or documents. You can also avoid leaving spare keys or garage remotes in your car. Thieves might break into your vehicle to steal or use these valuables to access your home.
- Be alert and aware: You can pay attention to your surroundings and report any suspicious activity or people near your car. You can lock your doors and roll up windows whenever you leave your vehicle. Keep your car running or unattended, even temporarily.
Conclusion
This article explains what a signal-blocking pouch is, how it works, and how it can protect your car from being stolen in 60 seconds. We have also shown you some recent incidents of keyless car thefts that have shocked the nation and some examples of signal-blocking pouches you can buy online or offline.
A signal-blocking pouch is a simple and affordable solution that can prevent car theft by blocking the RF signals from your key fob to your car. Keeping your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch at home or when you’re not using your vehicle will prevent thieves from using a relay amplifier to capture and amplify its signal and unlock your car.
If you own a keyless car, don’t take any chances. Get a signal-blocking pouch today and secure your vehicle from theft. It could save you thousands of dollars and a lot of hassle.
FAQ
What is keyless car theft?
Keyless car theft is a type of car theft that targets vehicles with keyless entry and keyless start systems. Thieves can use electronic devices to steal cars without the physical key.
How can I prevent keyless car theft?
To prevent keyless car theft, keep your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch and park in a secure location. Use anti-theft devices and remove valuables from your car for added safety.
How do I know if my car has a keyless entry and start system?
If you can enter and start your car without pressing a button on your key fob, then it’s like a keyless car; however, Please Check your car manual or consult your dealer to confirm.
