It happens quietly. You step outside expecting to see your car where you left it, only to find an empty driveway. There are no broken locks, no shattered glass, and no alarm sounding in the distance. Your vehicle is simply gone.

This is the reality of keyless vehicle theft — a modern crime that relies on technology rather than force, and one that is becoming increasingly common across the UK.

How Keyless Theft Works

Unlike traditional car theft, criminals no longer need to break into a vehicle. Using electronic relay devices, thieves can intercept and extend the signal from a key fob while it sits inside your home, a bag, or a coat pocket.

By placing one device near the property and another close to the vehicle, they trick the car into believing the key is nearby. The doors unlock, the engine starts, and the vehicle can be driven away without any visible sign of interference.

The process takes seconds and leaves little evidence behind.

The Scale of the Problem

Keyless theft is no longer a rare occurrence. Data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales shows that between March 2023 and March 2024, 58% of vehicle thefts involved interference with keyless entry systems.

Further figures shared by vehicle tracking specialists Tracker highlight the scale of the issue. In August 2025, 98% of thefts reported to them involved keyless vehicles, demonstrating how frequently this method is now being used.

More Than a Financial Loss

Losing a vehicle in this way can be deeply unsettling. Beyond the cost and inconvenience, many people report feeling uneasy knowing that criminals were able to access their property without force or detection.

The absence of damage can make the experience even more distressing, as it highlights how easily the theft occurred and how close the criminals came to the home itself.

Practical Ways to Reduce the Risk

There are several effective steps drivers can take to make their vehicles less vulnerable:

• Store keys in a Faraday pouch to block the signal when they’re not in use.

• Use visible security devices, such as steering wheel or pedal locks, which act as strong deterrents.

• Install CCTV or motion-activated lighting to draw attention to suspicious activity.

• Park strategically, ideally in a locked garage, behind gates, or close to the property.

• Remove key signals from view, avoiding storage near doors or windows.

• Review your insurance cover to ensure keyless theft is included and understand any security requirements.

Each added layer of protection reduces the likelihood of your vehicle being targeted.

Insurance Considerations

While comprehensive insurance policies usually cover theft, insurers increasingly expect drivers to take reasonable precautions to protect keyless vehicles. Failing to use available security measures could complicate a claim.

At Performance Direct Insurance, we help ensure policies are suited to modern risks, including keyless theft, offering reassurance that drivers are protected against both traditional and technology-driven vehicle crime.

Staying One Step Ahead

Keyless theft is a growing concern, but awareness and prevention make a real difference. By understanding how the crime works and taking simple protective measures, drivers can significantly reduce their risk and protect both their vehicle and their peace of mind.