Drivers told to store car keys with milk for one good reason
Keyless technology is contributing to an increase in car thefts, with up to 70 per cent of all cars stolen last year being keyless models, according to insurers. This wave of car thefts has seen cars taken from outside of owners' homes as thieves use increasingly-sophisticated ways to gain access to the vehicles.
Admiral insurers say that around two thirds of the cars taken in the last 12 months were keyless models and they warned this figure is set to increase.
Thieves using relay intermitters typically work in pairs. One criminal stays close to the key fob while the other stays near the car. They work together to relay an electronic signal between the fob and the car, fooling the car into thinking that the driver is nearby.
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Thieves hold the intermitters up against doors, windows and walls to gain a signal from the key fob, ultimately unlocking the car without the need for the actual key in their hand. And now drivers have been told to keep their car keys in their fridge to deter thieves.
Window shutter experts at Shutter Store UK teamed up with car expert Matthew Briggs, CEO of Right Fuel Card, to recommend that people leave their keys in an inconspicuous area of their home, surrounded by metal, to prevent thieves performing a relay attack to steal keyless cars.
The metal blocks thieves from intercepting the relay signal used to steal keyless cars. Therefore, placing your key in the fridge door is an ideal way to keep it safe.
Briggs said: “Placing your car keys in the fridge door is a simple yet effective way to shield them from signal relays. While some recommend using a microwave, this can risk accidental damage if the appliance is switched on. The fridge is a safer and more practical alternative for most households.”
He also suggested investing in a Faraday pouch, which is specifically designed to block signals without any risk of damage. Other measures you can to prevent thieves accessing your key is to keep them away from doors or windows where signals can be intercepted.
If you can, park your car in a locked garage or position another vehicle in front of your keyless car. And makes sure windows are securely shut at night to prevent any break-ins.
Sam Tamlyn, Managing Director at Shutter Store UK said: “Seeing the increase of thefts and the lengths that thieves now go to to steal keyless cars, this should prompt drivers even without keyless cars to ensure their keys are safe in their homes. Drivers should always ensure their windows are always closed safely at night to prevent thieves entering.”
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