Many drivers assume that electronic key fobs and engine-start buttons are more secure and efficient. In reality, there are surges in thefts and new techniques in key cloning as criminals look for sophisticated and often covert ways to steal premium cars and those targeted for theft. A leading specialist in domestic and commercial vehicle security, Eydens Auto Locksmiths has shared some of the latest statistics and approaches used by criminals.
Eydens Auto Locksmiths is dedicated to educating drivers about the risks and offering professional, independent advice to help drivers avoid becoming the next victims of key cloning.
Factors in the Increases in Car Key Cloning and Thefts
The auto locksmith team advises that part of the puzzle is how electronic key fobs can be remotely accessed, even if the criminal isn't physically in contact with them. Cloning and boosting techniques enable car thieves to activate interior locks when the driver or key is close by—without them knowing somebody is intercepting the signal between the key and the vehicle.
The most recently available data collated by the RAC showcases the scale of the problem:
- 43% of drivers have needed to contact an emergency auto locksmith because they have lost, misplaced, or had their keys stolen, at a cost of £180 million a year.
- Over 100,000 vehicles are stolen every year using keyless technology, and 72% of those cars are never recovered.
- Technologically enabled car thefts have risen by 56%, with 42 of 44 police forces in England and Wales reporting a marked increase in vehicle crimes.
Although the vast majority of drivers use common sense and won't leave valuables on display, keep their keys in an obvious place, such as in an open handbag or dangling from a back pocket, and know that key hooks shouldn’t be within reach of a letterbox, this demonstrates that simple security measures simply aren’t enough.
Advice Around How to Protect Your Car and Keys From Criminals
Company owner Rob Eyden says, ‘We know that having your keys hacked, cloned, boosted, or stolen is a horrible experience. Alongside the loss of a car that you're unlikely to ever see again, we frequently hear from customers who have had boots full of shopping or personal items, for whom the distress is about more than the car itself.
As an experienced auto locksmith team that has been working in Coventry and the surrounding areas for many decades, our priority is to raise awareness about the fact that advanced and modern keys are not necessarily more secure than older manual keys and about the myriad ways to protect yourself and your vehicle.
One of the simplest tips is to park your car in a garage or driveway if you have one rather than on the street for convenience.
While car thieves are prolific, they’re also never keen to be caught and prosecuted. If you have somewhere you can park that is in full view of your home, ideally supervised by a security system, Ring doorbell, or security light, you're immediately less exposed to theft.
We're also seeing more proactivity from car manufacturers, especially high-end and high-value vehicles that attract attention from thieves. Take a look at the app that usually comes with a new car. You'll often find the option to turn off the keyless function when you're not driving – it's also possible to have a key with a motion sensor, which means the keys can’t be activated if the fob is stationary.
This doesn’t 100% guarantee your key won’t be cloned or boosted, but it can mean that if you’ve got a set of keys in a bag or pocket, it’s more complex for a criminal to connect with your car’s locking mechanism than it otherwise might be.’
Investing in Immobilisers and Key Signal Blockers to Prevent Vehicle Thefts
Rob goes on to explain that ‘There are several products on the market you might be interested in, particularly if you recognise that your car is likely to be targeted. Protective cases are one option, although if you have an app or function to switch off keyless features when you're not planning on driving anywhere, this is equally effective.
We’d also recommend other options like a Ghost Immobiliser, which prevents anybody from starting your car's engine even if they've got hold of your keys,’
Ghost immobilisers are advanced vehicle security devices that can be disarmed by entering a pin through an app or via the steering wheel or dashboard buttons without a transmitted signal that prevents criminals from stealing a car through key hacking, cloning or theft.
Drivers interested in learning more about any of the security solutions mentioned by Eydens Auto Locksmiths are advised to contact the company directly to discuss their requirements.
Read more about Eydens Auto Locksmiths and Vehicle Security - Established Auto Locksmith, Eydens, Raises Awareness of Quality Marks to Look Out For
About Eydens Auto Locksmiths and Vehicle Security
Eydens Auto Locksmiths have over 20 years of experience and are members of both the MLA and the ALA, providing auto lock and key services to motorists in Coventry, Rugby, Nuneaton, Bedworth, Kenilworth, Leamington, Stratford upon Avon and Warwick.
Media Contact
Rob Eyden
024 7699 7703
https://eydensautolocksmiths.co.uk/
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Source Company – https://eydensautolocksmiths.co.uk/
Source: Digital PR
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