How to protect your car from theft

Technology has made everyday life easier in many ways. For example, keyless entry allows drivers to unlock and start their cars without fumbling for keys. But as vehicles become smarter, so do criminals. Keyless access theft is now one of the most common methods used to steal cars in South Africa.

This type of theft typically involves two criminals working together. One discreetly follows the driver after they’ve locked their car. Using a relay amplifier, the criminal boosts the signal from the driver’s key fob and transmits it to an accomplice standing near the car. The accomplice then uses a relay transmitter to open the car and drive off, all within seconds, and often without raising suspicion.

It’s not only keyless vehicles at risk. Cars that require physical keys remain vulnerable too, which makes proactive prevention essential for all drivers.

The following measures can help reduce your risk of having your car stolen:

• Invest in a Faraday pouch: When your car is parked, store your key fob in a Faraday pouch. Lined with metallic material, it prevents criminals from intercepting and relaying your key fob’s signal.

• Be mindful of where you store your fob: If your car is parked in the front garden of your home or in a complex parking lot, keep the fob as far from the vehicle as possible.

• Block access with another vehicle: If you don’t have a garage or lockable gate, park a vehicle that requires a physical key behind your keyless car to make it harder for criminals to drive it away.

• Deactivate the keyless entry function: Some manufacturers allow owners to turn off keyless entry. Check your vehicle handbook for instructions.

• Always double-check doors are locked: For cars requiring a key, remote jamming remains a popular tactic. After locking your car, check the handle to confirm the doors are secured.

• Park smart: Choose well-lit areas whenever possible. Also, parking areas with CCTV and good visibility are safer options.

• Add visible deterrents: A steering wheel lock may seem old-fashioned, but criminals often avoid vehicles that require extra effort to steal.

• Install an additional immobiliser: While most modern cars come with immobilisers, an extra layer of protection is worth considering. In some cases, insurers may also reward this precaution with lower premiums.

• Use CCTV and motion-sensor lights at home: Monitoring and lighting up your driveway can deter criminals while offering you greater peace of mind.

• Upgrade your car tracking system: Choose an option that provides both theft retrieval and early warning of unauthorised movement. With vehicle theft, every minute counts, and swift action improves the chances of stolen vehicle recovery.

While keyless access makes driving more convenient, it also gives criminals another entry point. Syndicates continuously adapt their methods, which is why it’s so important for car owners to stay alert and adopt proactive habits.

At Tracker, we encourage South Africans to make safety a daily habit. Sometimes it’s the simplest steps, like double-checking whether the car is locked, that make all the difference in protecting your car and giving you peace of mind.