News & Insights

Vehicle security has changed considerably over the years.

Where theft once tended to involve forced locks, broken windows or stolen keys, criminals can now use electronic methods to target some vehicles without causing any obvious damage at all.

One of the best-known methods is relay theft, which can affect vehicles with passive keyless entry and start systems. But relay attacks are only one form of technology-assisted vehicle theft, and different vehicles can face different risks depending on their age, specification and security systems.

Whether you drive a newer car, a modern classic or a specialist vehicle, understanding how electronic theft works can help you decide which security measures are worth putting in place.

What Is Relay Theft?

Modern vehicles use several different types of electronic locking system.

Some cars have passive keyless entry and start, where the vehicle detects the key fob nearby and allows the doors to be opened or the engine started without the driver pressing a button.

A traditional relay attack primarily targets these passive keyless systems.

Criminals use electronic equipment to extend or relay the communication between the genuine key and the vehicle. This can make the vehicle believe the key is nearby even when it is actually inside the owner's home.

On a vulnerable vehicle, the doors may then unlock and the engine may start without the thief ever taking possession of the genuine key.

The Metropolitan Police advises that thieves may only need to be within a few metres of the key to capture its signal.

Electronic Vehicle Theft Goes Beyond Relay Attacks

Not every electronic vehicle theft is a relay attack.

Vehicles with conventional remote central locking, where you press a button on the key fob, do not use passive keyless entry in the same way. However, criminals may use other methods to target vehicle electronics, remote locking systems or diagnostic equipment.

Depending on the vehicle, attempts may include programming another key or exploiting elements of its electronic network.

That is why signal protection should be considered as one part of a wider approach to vehicle security rather than a complete solution on its own.

How Common Is Electronic Vehicle Theft?

Electronic methods continue to play a significant role in vehicle theft.

According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, manipulation of a remote-locking signal was involved in 46.7% of thefts of vehicles in the year ending March 2025. The ONS publishes this information as part of its detailed vehicle-related theft data.

That figure should not be interpreted as meaning that every case was a traditional relay attack or that 46.7% of vehicles are vulnerable.

It does, however, underline why owners of vehicles with electronic locking and start systems should consider the security measures available to them.

How to Protect Your Vehicle

There is no single device that can guarantee a vehicle will not be stolen, but adding several layers of security can make it considerably harder to target.

1. Keep keys well away from the vehicle

Avoid leaving keys close to external doors, windows or unnecessarily near the car.

This applies to spare keys as well as the one you use every day.

The Metropolitan Police recommends keeping both keys well away from the vehicle when at home.

2. Use a signal-blocking pouch where appropriate

If your vehicle has passive keyless entry, storing the key in a suitable Faraday or signal-blocking pouch can help prevent its wireless signal being captured during a relay attack.

Remember to protect any spare keys too.

Signal-blocking pouches can lose effectiveness over time, so check them periodically. Place the key inside and try to open the vehicle using its passive keyless function. If the vehicle still detects the key, the pouch may no longer be blocking the signal properly.

Police guidance also recommends checking that signal-blocking pouches continue to work every few months.

3. Check whether your key's wireless signal can be disabled

Some vehicles allow the wireless function of the key fob or passive entry system to be switched off when it is not required.

The process varies considerably between manufacturers and models, so consult your owner's handbook or manufacturer's guidance before changing any settings.

4. Add visible physical security

Modern theft techniques do not necessarily make traditional security obsolete.

A steering wheel lock, pedal lock or appropriately installed immobiliser provides another barrier that a thief must overcome even if electronic access to the vehicle is achieved.

A highly visible security device may also make the vehicle appear less attractive to target.

5. Consider the way the vehicle is stored

Garages, secure gates and barriers can all add another layer of protection where available.

Owners of cherished, specialist or occasionally used vehicles may already take additional steps when storing them, and it can be worth reviewing whether those arrangements are still suitable for the vehicle's current value and technology.

Lighting and CCTV can provide further deterrence, but they should supplement rather than replace physical vehicle security.

6. Make sure the vehicle has actually locked

After using remote central locking, check for the normal visual confirmation from the vehicle and, where appropriate, check the door.

Doing so can help protect against other techniques designed to interfere with a vehicle locking correctly.

7. Consider additional security for higher-value or specialist vehicles

Depending on the vehicle, additional security could include an approved immobiliser, tracking system or another professionally installed device.

Before fitting aftermarket equipment, check that it is appropriate for the vehicle — particularly on classic or specialist cars where originality, wiring and existing electrical systems may need to be considered carefully.

You should also check whether your insurer has any specific security requirements.

What About Classic Cars?

Traditional classics may not have passive keyless technology at all, but that does not mean they are immune from theft.

Older vehicles can present very different security challenges. Some may have comparatively basic factory-fitted locks or immobilisation, while high values and rarity can make certain models particularly desirable.

For classic vehicles, suitable physical security, secure storage, immobilisation and tracking may therefore be just as important as electronic key protection is for newer cars.

Owners of modern classics should also check exactly which locking and starting technology their vehicle uses, as newer electronic systems became increasingly common across later generations.

What Does Your Insurance Cover?

Comprehensive motor insurance will generally include theft cover, but individual policies are subject to their own terms, conditions and exclusions.

Certain classic, high-value, performance or specialist vehicles may also be subject to particular security requirements.

These could relate to how or where the vehicle is stored, or to particular security equipment that must be fitted and maintained.

Always check your policy documents rather than assuming that a particular theft scenario or security arrangement is covered.

If anything is unclear, speak to your insurer or broker.

Protecting a Vehicle Worth Keeping

The technology behind vehicle theft continues to develop, but good security does not need to rely on one solution.

For vehicles with passive keyless entry, protecting the key signal can help reduce the risk of relay theft. Physical locks, immobilisers, secure storage and additional tracking can provide further layers of protection.

For older classics, meanwhile, a different combination of physical and electronic security may be more appropriate.

Whatever you drive, the aim is the same: make the vehicle as difficult and time-consuming to steal as reasonably possible.

Keyless and Vehicle Theft FAQs

What is relay theft?

Relay theft is an electronic method primarily used against vehicles with passive keyless entry and start. Equipment is used to relay the communication between the genuine key fob and the vehicle, potentially making the vehicle believe the key is nearby.

Can a vehicle without keyless entry still be stolen electronically?

Yes. Classic relay theft primarily affects passive keyless systems, but other electronic techniques can be used against vehicles with different locking and security systems.

Does a Faraday pouch prevent relay theft?

A suitable, properly functioning signal-blocking pouch can prevent a key's wireless signal being captured as part of a relay attack. It does not protect against every method of vehicle theft.

Should I use a steering wheel lock on a modern car?

A steering wheel lock provides an additional physical obstacle even if the vehicle's electronic security is compromised. Police guidance continues to recommend physical security measures such as locks and immobilisers alongside keyless-theft precautions.

What security should I use for a classic car?

The most suitable security will depend on the vehicle, how it is used and where it is stored. Physical locks, immobilisation, secure storage and tracking can all be considered, but owners should make sure any equipment is appropriate for the particular vehicle.

Does comprehensive insurance cover keyless theft?

Comprehensive motor insurance will generally include theft cover, but individual policies are subject to their own terms, conditions and exclusions. Some vehicles may also have specific security requirements, so check your policy documentation.