How To Prevent Keyless Car Theft in UK

To stop your car being stolen from your driveway, stack four layers: block the key signal, put a locked steel post in front of the car, add a steering lock or immobiliser, and fit a tracker. Keyless thieves don’t need your key: they copy its signal from inside your house and drive off in a minute or two. A driveway security post is the only layer that still works once they’ve unlocked and started the car, because it physically stops it leaving the drive. Compare every type in our driveway bollards range.

How to stop your car being stolen from your driveway

Most car thefts happen exactly where your car spends the night. In the Crime Survey for England and Wales (year to March 2025), 67% of car thefts happened at or near the owner’s home, 37% were taken from a driveway or another space on the property, and 75% happened in the evening or overnight. In 47% of car thefts the thief manipulated the signal from the car’s remote locking, and 93% of the vehicles Tracker recovered between January and October 2025 had been taken without their keys. Full figures and sources are in our UK car theft statistics guide.

1. Block the key signal. Keep keyless fobs in a signal-blocking (Faraday) pouch or tin, away from doors and windows, and switch off keyless entry in the car’s settings if it lets you. See do Faraday pouches work?

2. Stop it being driven away. A locked telescopic security post in front of the car means it can’t leave the drive even if a thief gets in and starts it. Fitted from £799, or £949 for the Sold Secure Gold Rhino R8.

3. Make it slow and noisy to start and steer. A PIN immobiliser or a steering wheel lock adds time and noise. See bollards vs Ghost immobilisers and do steering wheel locks work?

4. Make it easier to get back. A tracker won’t stop a theft, but it gives the police a location if one happens.

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What is Keyless Car Theft?

Keyless car theft, often referred to as "relay theft," involves thieves using a device to amplify the signal from a car's key fob, allowing them to unlock and start the vehicle without physically possessing the key. This type of theft is particularly concerning because it can happen quickly and quietly, often right outside your home. In the UK, reports of keyless car theft have been on the rise, making it essential for car owners to understand and implement preventive measures.

Which Car Brands Are Most Vulnerable?

Certain car brands are more susceptible to keyless car theft due to the design and technology of their keyless entry systems. Among these, Range Rover models have been notably targeted by thieves. These high-end vehicles, with their advanced keyless systems, are attractive to criminals seeking a quick and lucrative theft. However, it's not just Range Rovers that are at risk; other luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi also frequently appear on the list of most stolen vehicles in the UK. Understanding this vulnerability can help owners of these vehicles take extra precautions.

Steps to Prevent Keyless Car Theft

If your car has already been stolen, here are our recommended next steps. If you are simply looking to get ahead of any issues, protecting your keyless car from theft requires a combination of vigilance and practical measures. Here are some effective steps you can take:

Use a Faraday Pouch

A Faraday pouch is a simple yet highly effective solution to prevent keyless car theft. These pouches are lined with metal material that blocks the signal from your key fob, preventing thieves from amplifying it. When you’re not using your keys, keep them in a Faraday pouch to ensure that the signal remains undetectable. They are affordable and widely available, making them a must-have for any keyless car owner.

Install Driveway Security Bollards

Adding physical barriers to your property can deter thieves from targeting your vehicle. Driveway security bollards are a robust solution that prevents vehicles from being driven away, even if they are unlocked. These bollards can be retractable or removable, offering flexibility for everyday use while providing strong protection against theft. For UK residents, installing driveway bollards is a practical step to enhance home security and protect your car.

Use a Steering Wheel Lock

An old-school but effective method to deter car thieves is using a steering wheel lock. This visible security device acts as a strong deterrent, making it clear that your vehicle is not an easy target. Steering wheel locks are highly durable and difficult to remove without the proper key, adding an extra layer of protection. For keyless car owners in the UK, investing in a good quality steering wheel lock can provide significant peace of mind.

Conclusion

In the UK, the threat of keyless car theft is real and growing. By understanding the risks and implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a victim. From using a Faraday pouch to installing driveway security bollards and employing a steering wheel lock, these steps will help secure your vehicle against sophisticated thieves. Stay vigilant, take action, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your car is well-protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my car being stolen from my driveway?

Stack four layers: keep keyless fobs in a signal-blocking pouch, put a locked telescopic security post in front of the car, add a steering lock or PIN immobiliser, and fit a tracker. The security post is the layer that still works after a thief has unlocked and started the car, because the car can’t be driven off the drive.

Do driveway bollards stop keyless car theft?

They stop the car being driven away. Keyless thieves can unlock and start a car by copying the key signal, but a raised, locked steel post set in concrete in front of it means the car can’t leave the drive.

Where are most cars stolen from?

From home. In the Crime Survey for England and Wales (year to March 2025), 67% of car thefts happened at or near the owner’s home and 37% from a driveway or another space on the property; 75% happened in the evening or overnight.

Is it illegal to own a relay box?

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 creates an offence of possessing or supplying devices used to steal vehicles, such as relay boxes and key programmers, with up to five years in prison. As of late October 2026 that part of the Act is still waiting for a start date.