Over recent years there has been a rise in keyless car systems being hacked and cars being stolen. In many cases thieves using technology to fool keyless entry systems into thinking that the key is nearby, this is known as relay theft.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to stop the signal from your car key being amplified to the thief’s device, which puts your car at risk.  In this article we answer some of the common questions around relay theft and give tips on how to prevent it.

What cars are at risk of being ‘hacked’?

Only cars that have a passive keyless entry system are at risk. These allow drivers to open and start their cars without removing the keyless fob from their pocket.

Cars with standard remote fobs are not at risk. If you have to push a button on the fob to gain entry, it’s not a keyless system and your car is not vulnerable to relay theft.

How does relay theft work? 

Thieves take advantage of a vulnerability in the keyless technology by finding a car parked close to the owner’s house – where the car key is usually kept.

Car thieves often work in pairs in relay attacks. One criminal will hold an amplification device up against the front wall of a home searching for a signal from the keyless fob. The device then relays the key’s signal to an accomplice, who is holding another device against the car door.

This fools the vehicle’s keyless entry system into thinking that the key is close by (usually these keys have a range of two meters), enabling one of the thieves to gain entry to the car.

What can I do to protect my car?

Here are 5 simple ways to protect your car from theft at home.

1. Ensure that your car is properly locked and consider low-tech security measures, such as a steering wheel lock or locked gates, which can make life harder for thieves and could act as a deterrent for criminals who may move on to try to find an easier target.
2. Keep your car keys as far away as possible from doors and windows and, if possible, shut inside a drawer when you are at home.
3. You can also purchase Faraday pouches and containers to keep your keys in, which can help block the signal given off by your keys.
4. Some keys also have the option of turning off the wireless signal. Consult your vehicle manual or contact the manufacturer to check if your key comes with this feature.
5. If the worst should happen and your car is stolen, having a tracking device fitted can help your vehicle to be recovered.

If you would like to learn more about protecting your possessions, please contact our team at e sales@absolutesecurity.co.uk or tel 01483 791500.

We’re often asked by homeowners how best to protect the outbuildings on their land, for example, barns, stables, garden sheds, workshops, home offices and their contents.

The wonders of wireless

With wireless technology, intruder alarms, CCTV and access control systems can be extended to cover your outbuildings as well as your main property.  In most cases you will need to have an electrical supply to the outbuilding that requires additional security, however, emerging solar technology is becoming more widely used as a substitute for remote buildings where getting a permanent hard-wired electrical supply is not practical.

With many remote detection systems, a detected event will trigger an alert to an app on your smart phone so you can initiate a prompt response, or view the incident real time via your CCTV.

Further security measures

There is also the option of smart Bluetooth padlocks to give added protection on outbuilding doors. Do also invest in good security lighting around your property. Many burglaries take place in the dark and security lighting helps to deter intruders.

And for home offices it is good to consider having a safe for important documents, disks and other vital things you need to work effectively.

Summary

Theft from outbuildings hasn’t lessened in recent years and it’s important to give those buildings as much protection as your main property.  The good news is that your main security systems – intruder alarm, CCTV can be extended to cover those buildings. Contact one of our team for a free survey or for more information – tel 01483 791500 or email sales@absolutesecurity.co.uk

Home security systems’ specialists – Absolute Security – are celebrating the start of National Home Security Month.

With the pressures of day-to-day life, home security is often overlooked which is why National Home Security Month (NHSM) was set up in 2013. It seeks to raise awareness around the importance of home security so people can be safe in the knowledge that their home, family and belongings are protected.

This national campaign takes place every year in October and offers advice, information and support on how to secure your property.

Keeping homes secure for over 30 years

The Absolute Security team has over 30years’ experience helping local homeowners protect their properties, families and possessions. Throughout October they will be sharing lots of home security tips and advice on their website, twitter, LinkedIn and facebook pages.

As Home Security experts, the team has a wealth of knowledge to draw on from their specialisms in:

• Intruder alarms
• CCTV
• Automatic gates
• Safes
• Access control
• Fire detection
• Smartphone control
• Monitoring – including Police response

Committed to the latest best practices

Absolute Security has always been passionate about gaining the highest accreditations with all major security and fire detection professional bodies.  It is an NSI Gold Member and a member of The BSIA (British Security Industry Association), BAFE, FIA (Fire Industry Association) and Constructionline.

Free survey

The team are offering homeowners a free home security survey throughout October – for more information contact the Sales Team on t 01483 791500 or email sales@absolutesecurity.co.uk