KEYLESS cars are becoming increasingly vulnerable to theft as criminals turn to sophisticated tools like Game Boy-style emulators, experts warn.
Alarmingly, most mechanics now consider traditional car alarms ineffective as deterrents.
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The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) says vehicle theft in the UK has surged by 75% over the past decade, with 130,000 cars stolen annually.
This trend has sparked calls for smarter, tech-based solutions to deter car thieves.
According to Fix My Car, car owners should adopt multiple layered security strategies and modern tools to help protect their motors – including engine immobilisers and GPS trackers.
Indeed, only 5% of mechanics trust traditional car alarms as effective deterrents, although everyday precautions, such as keeping keys hidden, parking in well-lit areas and checking on vehicles regularly remain essential habits.
Matt Wrankmore, Head of Garage Network at FixMyCar, said: “Car theft is no longer just about smashing windows or hot-wiring ignitions.
“Criminals are more cyber-savvy than ever, so drivers need to respond with a balanced approach using both smart technology and visible deterrents.”
And he added: “There are definite benefits to using traditional deterrents in your car, and many manufacturers still recommend steering wheel locks despite advances in vehicle security tech.
“I believe drivers returning to these methods are on the right track but we need to use all the tools available.
“That means combining mechanical immobilisers and telematics trackers with visual deterrents like steering wheel locks and alarm stickers.
“And let’s not forget the cheapest and most overlooked measure of common sense.
“Keeping your keys hidden, parking in well-lit areas with CCTV, and checking on your car regularly are all simple habits that still go a long way.”
The rise in car thefts has also exposed vulnerabilities in high-end vehicles, such as Hyundai’s electric Ioniq 5.
A furious driver, Adam Metselaar, threatened to sue the firm last year after his £47,000 keyless car was stolen in just 31 seconds using a gadget disguised as a Nintendo Game Boy.
Despite keeping his car keys in a protective box to prevent cloning, the thieves bypassed the system using a hi-tech “emulator” hidden inside the casing of the gaming device.
The grey Ioniq 5 was traced four miles away using an Apple AirTag, but it had sustained £10,000 worth of damage.
Hyundai admitted that similar thefts have affected at least 26 cars in London, as per September last year.
They later updated their Bluelink software to introduce additional anti-theft features.
As summer holidays prompt many motorists to leave their cars unattended, FixMyCar is encouraging drivers to take proactive measures to protect their vehicles.
A combination of modern tracking devices, visible deterrents and simple precautions can go a long way in safeguarding cars from increasingly sophisticated thieves.
Five effective ways to protect your vehicle from theft
- Use engine immobilisers and GPS trackers
- These tech-based solutions are highly recommended by mechanics. Engine immobilisers prevent the car from starting without the correct key, while GPS trackers help locate the vehicle quickly if stolen.
- Install visible deterrents
- Devices like steering wheel locks, wheel clamps and alarm stickers act as visual signals to deter thieves, making your car a less appealing target.
- Adopt everyday precautions
- Simple habits such as keeping your keys hidden, parking in well-lit areas with CCTV and ensuring your car is locked at all times are effective and inexpensive ways to reduce theft risk.
- Secure keyless fobs
- Store keyless fobs in Faraday pouches or protective boxes to prevent criminals from cloning the signal. Regularly check for software updates for your car’s keyless system to enhance security.
- Blend traditional and modern security measures
- Combining old-school deterrents like steering locks with advanced technology, such as telematics trackers, provides a multi-layered defence against increasingly sophisticated theft tactics.
