Keyless entry and “push-to-start” systems are convenient — but over the last few years they have also become a preferred target for organised thieves. Criminals use relay devices, signal-mimicking tools and software exploits to open, start and drive away keyless vehicles without breaking a window. That makes keyless cars a rising problem across the UK — including here in the South East and Sussex. WeCovr+1
What’s driving the increase in keyless thefts?
- Relay attacks are cheap and effective. Two people with a pair of signal-boosting devices can “amplify” a key’s radio signal from inside a house, tricking the car into thinking the key is beside it. This technique allows thieves to unlock and start many modern cars within minutes. WeCovr
- Software / protocol vulnerabilities. Some makes and models have specific technical flaws that allow the vehicle’s keyless entry protocol to be spoofed or replayed — even without a relay device. Manufacturers and security researchers have exposed a number of these vulnerabilities in recent years. The Verge
- High volume of keyless vehicles. As more cars adopt keyless systems, the pool of vulnerable targets grows — and aggregated theft figures have risen substantially (hundreds of thousands of vehicle theft incidents recorded across England & Wales in recent reporting periods). Zego
South East / Sussex: local picture and hotspots
Vehicle theft is a national problem, but it’s important to localise risk. Sussex Police and local neighbourhood updates show regular reports of keyless vehicle thefts and attempts across the force area. Sussex Police actively warn owners and recommend basic countermeasures (Faraday pouches, steering-wheel locks, Park Mark car parks and fitting approved tracking/immobiliser systems). Sussex Police+1
Local hotspots to watch in the South East (common themes from police reports and local policing updates):
- Brighton & Hove — frequent reports of opportunistic vehicle crime and relay attempts. members.sussexalerts.co.uk+1
- Crawley / Gatwick corridor — vehicles parked overnight or at commuter spots have been targeted. intheknow.community
- Hastings, Worthing, Eastbourne — towns with mixed residential/visitor parking where signal-based thefts are reported periodically. Sussex Police+1
Note: “Hotspots” change over time. Use your local police force’s crime map and alerts for the most recent micro-level guidance (e.g., police.uk area pages and Sussex Police alerts). Police UK+1
Which cars are being stolen most often?
Recent DVLA and industry analyses show the most commonly stolen models tend to be popular models (more copies on the road) and desirable models for organised theft rings. In 2024 the top models across the UK included Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Toyota RAV4, BMW 3 Series and several premium SUVs — the same list that insurers and recovery services flag as high risk. (If your car is one of these, don’t assume it’s safe merely because it’s not keyless.) What Car?+1
What you can do today — practical prevention steps
Below are immediate, effective measures that substantially reduce the chance your keyless car will be taken.
On-person / at home
- Faraday pouch or metal tin for keys. Keep your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch away from doors and windows overnight. This is one of the easiest and most effective defences against relay attacks. Sussex Police
- Physically secure the car. Use a visible steering-wheel lock or Sold-Secure rated device. These are low-tech but highly deterrent and work even if someone gains entry. Sussex Police specifically recommend steering locks alongside other measures. Sussex Police
- Double-check locks. Manually check the car is locked before walking away — electronic jamming or “block and run” techniques are used to stop doors locking. Sussex Police
Technology & insurance
- Fit a Thatcham-approved tracker/immobiliser. Insurers and police advise Thatcham-certified tracking systems; they increase the chance of recovery and may lower insurance premiums. Sussex Police
- Ask the dealer/manufacturer about software updates. Some manufacturers (and recent high-profile cases) have released firmware fixes or paid upgrades for known vulnerabilities — check if there’s an official update for your model. The Verge
Parking & situational choices
- Park in well-lit, staffed or Park Mark car parks overnight when you can. Avoid quiet streets where thieves can work undetected. Sussex Police
If your keys are lost or stolen — what to do (and how to have keys invalidated)
Losing keys is the moment of highest risk. Acting quickly reduces the chances a thief uses or clones that fob.
- Report to the police and your insurer immediately. You’ll need a crime reference for insurance claims and for any official follow up. Zego
- Contact your dealer or a reputable auto locksmith to have keys removed from the vehicle’s system. Most modern cars allow authorised engineers (dealer or qualified locksmith) to erase or reprogram the key list stored in the vehicle’s immobiliser/ECU so lost keys stop working. This usually requires on-vehicle diagnostics and re-programming — not something the average owner can safely or legally do alone. A professional will either:
- Erase the lost key(s) from the ECU and program a new key, or
- Replace or reflash the immobiliser/ECU (in rare / complex cases). Keyworx+1
- Ask for proof of erasure/programming. When a dealer or locksmith completes the job, request a receipt or written confirmation that the lost key has been invalidated and that replacement key(s) were issued. This is useful for insurance and for your records. Keyworx
- Consider immobiliser changes or upgrade. If you suspect your key has been cloned or an exploit used, ask about upgraded immobiliser hardware/firmware or a Thatcham-approved alarm and tracking system. These add extra layers of defence. Sussex Police
Important: We do not publish instructions that facilitate bypassing immobilisers. Reprogramming or erasing keys should be done only by authorised professionals (dealerships or qualified locksmiths) and in accordance with the law and your insurer’s requirements. Keyworx
Advanced protections (recommended for vulnerable models / high-risk areas)
- Faraday safe at home + steering lock at night. Combine multiple defences for best effect. Sussex Police
- Install a dash-camera with parking mode and visible decals — thieves avoid vehicles that may capture their faces.
- Use a Thatcham-approved tracker connected to 24/7 recovery. Recovery services rapidly reduce loss value and increase recovery rates. Sussex Police
- Ask your insurer about keyless-theft cover and whether your policy requires specific anti-theft devices to remain valid. (Failure to install recommended security may affect claims.)
247 Auto Locksmith: how we help (local, fast, dealer-level work)
If you’re in Sussex or the South East, 247 Auto Locksmith can:
- Attend on-site and erase lost keys / program replacements using OEM-grade diagnostics (we will provide written confirmation). Keyworx
- Fit or advise on Thatcham-approved trackers and immobilisers. Sussex Police
- Recommend immediate prevention measures (Faraday pouches, steering locks) and supply/fit them while we’re with you. Sussex Police
If you’re worried about keyless theft in your street or town, call us for advice or to arrange a same-day visit. We operate across Sussex, including Brighton & Hove, Crawley, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Eastbourne, Worthing and Tunbridge Wells.
Quick checklist — immediate actions if you own a keyless car
- Put your key fob in a Faraday pouch at home. Sussex Police
- Fit a visible steering lock and consider a Thatcham-approved tracker. Sussex Police
- Park in well-lit, staffed car parks when possible. Sussex Police
- If keys are lost, report to the police and contact the dealer/locksmith to have the lost key removed. Keyworx+1
Sources & further reading (selected)
- UK vehicle theft overview and recent stats. Zego
- Keyless car theft alerts and guides. WeCovr+1
- Sussex Police: preventing car and vehicle theft (advice, local alerts). Sussex Police+1
- News about manufacturer fixes/vulnerabilities (Hyundai/Ioniq example). The Verge
- Industry lists of the most stolen cars in 2024. What Car?+1