What Is Keyless Car Theft?
Keyless entry systems are designed to make life easier for drivers. With the key fob in your pocket or bag, your car unlocks automatically as you approach. But convenience comes with risk. Keyless car theft, also known as a “relay attack,” is a growing crime that allows thieves to steal cars without even touching the keys.
Keyless car theft has become a growing issue in Australia, with police in several states warning drivers about the rise of relay attacks on modern vehicles and criminal gangs using key programming devices to mimic or override key signals.
How Does Keyless Car Theft Work?
Thieves use two small electronic devices in a relay attack:
- One criminal stands near your house and captures the signal from your key fob (often stored just inside your front door).
- Another stands by your car with a receiver that relays this signal.
- The car interprets it as if the key were nearby, unlocking and starting without the actual key present.
This process can take less than a minute, leaving no signs of forced entry. Insurance reports show that keyless car theft is one of the fastest-growing vehicle crime methods in recent years.
Is Any Car at Risk?
Most modern vehicles with push-button start or keyless entry systems are vulnerable. Premium brands (such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus) are common targets, but mid-range cars from Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, and others are also at risk.
If your car unlocks when you approach it without pressing a button, it can be hacked by a relay attack.
How Can I Prevent Keyless Car Theft?
There are several strategies to reduce your risk:
- Remove the battery from your key fob: Effective, but highly inconvenient for daily use.
- Turn off keyless entry: Some cars allow you to disable the proximity unlocking feature, meaning the car only opens when you press the button. This reduces risk but also reduces convenience.
- Use steering wheel locks or driveway bollards: Visible deterrents can make your car a less attractive target, but they don’t stop thieves from accessing the signal.
- Store the car key in a freezer: The freezer works as a Faraday Cage, however, it can damage the electronics inside the key due to moisture and extreme cold.
- Store your key in a Faraday bag or signal-blocking pouch: This is the most practical and cost-effective solution.
A signal-blocking pouch car key case works by creating a shielded environment (a “Faraday cage”) around your car key. When your keys are inside, their wireless signal cannot be picked up or relayed by criminals.
What Features Should I Look for in a High-Quality Signal Blocking Pouch?
Not all pouches are equal. A good signal blocking pouch car key case should include:
- Reliable shielding: A Faraday lining that blocks all radio frequencies (RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, WiFi, and cellular).
- Double layers of protection: Many cheaper pouches lose effectiveness after a few months — double shielding lasts longer.
- Durable materials: Strong stitching, quality fabric, and wear resistance for daily use.
- Practical design: Large enough to fit your key fob, but compact enough to carry easily.
- Tested effectiveness: Reputable brands test their pouches against real-world relay attacks.
How Effective Are Signal-Blocking Pouches Against Other Types of Car Theft?
A signal-blocking pouch specifically prevents relay attacks and keyless car theft. However, it won’t stop:
- Physical break-ins (smash-and-grab for valuables).
- Traditional key theft (if someone steals your actual key).
- Carjacking (where the thief takes the car directly).
That said, with relay theft being one of the fastest-growing vehicle crimes, using a Faraday car key bag greatly reduces the most common modern risk. Combine it with physical deterrents for complete protection.
Our SecurityBase Car Key Pouches are trusted by many drivers and backed by strong customer reviews, making them a reliable choice for everyday protection.
Why Choose a Faraday Car Key Bag?
- Convenience: Just drop your keys inside.
- Peace of mind: Protects day and night.
- Cost-effective: A small investment compared to the cost of losing your car.
- Proven tech: The same signal blocking technology used in cybersecurity and defence.
Final Thoughts
Keyless car theft is on the rise, but preventing it doesn’t need to be complicated. While disabling keyless entry or removing batteries can work, the most practical everyday solution is a signal-blocking pouch for your car key. It's affordable, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. With a Faraday bag, you can ensure your vehicle is safe from digital thieves, giving you peace of mind and a sense of relief.
