Experts have called for urgent action to be launched to combat the growing rate of keyless car thefts, as incidents soar to a 15-year high.
New data has shown that more than £35million worth of vehicles have been retrieved by Tracker between January and October this year, the highest rate since 2010.
A staggering 93 per cent of those recovered were taken without the use of keys, with experts warning that this trend could continue over the coming years.
Tracker, which recovers stolen vehicles, warned that criminals are increasingly targeting cars equipped with keyless entry using a relay attack.
This involves thieves using a “relay device” to pick up the wireless signal from the key fob to unlock the vehicle without needing to access the key or even the victim’s house.
Drivers are continually urged to ensure their keyless car fobs are kept away from windows and doors, and to be stored in a Faraday pouch, which can block any wireless signals.
The Home Office pledged earlier this year that people could face consequences if they are caught possessing, supplying or manufacturing electronic devices used in these attacks.
Offenders who fall foul of these rules could be hit with a huge five-year prison sentence, as well as an unlimited fine.
Experts are calling for urgent legislation to be introduced to crack down on car theft gangs
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While experts have praised these developments, there are some fears that the progress could be slowed, especially given that there has not been an announcement of when the rules will be introduced.
Mark Rose, managing director of Tracker, said the company has been campaigning against relay devices for years.
This includes devices that can intercept keyless car fob signals, in addition to those that jam GPS tracking technology.
He continued, saying: “Devices used to conduct relay attacks and steal keyless vehicles are readily available online, and although the price is high, organised crime groups know the profit potential makes the upfront cost worthwhile.”
The expert pointed out that the proposed laws would ensure that criminals face the consequences of their actions, adding that this was “rightly so”.
“Without meaningful action in the shape of robust legislation, such thefts will continue to rise unchecked, with more drivers becoming victims of these crimes and suffering the emotional and financial impact of that. The time for that action is now,” Mr Rose said.
Tracker works with every police force around the UK to continue to break down organised vehicle theft rings and individuals who target keyless cars.
Through the collaboration between nationwide forces and Tracker, more than 2,000 police cars and all police helicopters are fitted with detection units.
Drivers are encouraged to keep the keyless fobs away from doors and windows
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PAThese devices are able to pick up the signal from Tracker’s combination of VHF (very high frequency) and GPS technology.
A covert transmitter can be hidden in “one of several dozen places around the vehicle” to ensure cars can be tracked easily if they are stolen.
Tracker’s technology has seen staggering results, with an overall 95 per cent success rate when vehicles are stolen.
Around half of all vehicles stolen are recovered within four hours, while 80 per cent are returned to owners within 24 hours.