Thieves Keep Up With the Times
It might happen to you: returning to the parking lot where you left your car a few hours ago, only to discover that it has been stolen. Bad luck? Or could you have done something about it?
Gone are the days when cars were stolen by forcing a door and connecting a few wires under the dashboard: thieves also keep up with the times. With electronic equipment that fits in the remote control of a Playstation, the unlocking and starting codes of car keys are read remotely. The thieves then drive away unhindered within seconds.
More and more car manufacturers are placing a motion sensor in the key. If it is not moved for a certain period of time, the radio signal is switched off and the vehicle can no longer be opened and driven away illegally. According to the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), the German ANWB, this method is less secure, as keyless theft is still possible despite this ‘sleeping key’ as long as the radio signal is not switched off.
More and more car keys are also equipped with Ultra Wide Band technology (UWB). This ensures that the vehicle recognizes the actual distance from the car key to the car, so that it only starts if the key is nearby. Most vehicle thefts take place at night and in front of the house. In those cases, the ‘sleeping key’ is 100 percent effective.
According to the ADAC, car owners of models with keyless entry systems can even become victims twice. If the stolen car is found and examined by the police, there are no traces of forced entry or other theft. This can lead to problems with claims handling or to suspicions that the owner only staged the theft to commit insurance fraud.
Look here at the ADAC to see if your car has a motion sensor
How to Prevent (Keyless) Car Theft
1. Have your license plate engraved on the car windows. It is also wise to screw on license plates and park the wheels towards the curb. This makes it more difficult for thieves to strike quickly.
2. Use a steering or gear lever lock: this old-fashioned method can prevent thieves from stealing your car. For example, the BearLock is a frequently used way to put a lock on the gear lever.
3. When closing your car, listen for the sound of your doors being locked. If you don’t hear anything, check again to see if the doors are locked.
4. Install a track and trace system: these devices can warn you when your car is started by malicious people and where it is going.
5. A cheap track and trace system is an AirTag. You can link this to your iPhone. Once that is done, you can see on your phone where the AirTag is, and therefore you also know where your car is.
6. Turn off your key manually: some manufacturers have included a button in the key that allows it to be switched off at night. Many keys do this automatically.
7. Install cameras. Thieves are often prevented from stealing your car and otherwise they can be used to locate the person who committed the theft.
8. Neighborhood app: always report any suspicious behavior in your area in the neighborhood app and to the police.
9. In the garage. Thieves are less likely to target your car if it is in a closed garage.
10. Stay informed about the latest software: many manufacturers update their security systems in the car to prevent keyless theft. The Toyota RAV4, the most stolen car, is now much better secured than before.
11. Place your key in a special protective case or in a steel candy or cookie tin. This blocks the radiation from the key. When you are not using a case, always place the car key at least six meters from the front door.