Modern vehicle theft techniques have evolved to keep pace with advancements in automotive technology. This makes it all the more important to invest in the latest devices to stay ahead of the curve – examples being stolen vehicle tracking systems like Thatcham S5 Trackers, supplied and installed at Caterham In-Car Systems near Redhill. Thieves have become increasingly sophisticated in their methods, using a range of tactics to gain access to vehicles, disable their security systems, and steal them without detection. Far more than simply installers of window tinting, dash cams, reverse cameras and ghost immobilisers, we look to stay abreast of these kinds of trends so we can properly inform our clients of what to invest in, and stock products we have real faith in.
One of the most prevalent methods of vehicle theft is keyless entry theft. Keyless entry systems use a small electronic key fob to unlock and start the vehicle without the need for a physical key. However, thieves can use a range of electronic devices to intercept and amplify the signal between the key fob and the car, allowing them to unlock and start the vehicle without the owner's knowledge. This technique is known as "relay theft" and is particularly effective on high-end vehicles with advanced keyless entry systems.
This is why we recommend Redhill clients invest in the best stolen vehicle tracking systems on the market: Thatcham S5 Trackers. These not only track your vehicle, but incorporate a feature more commonly seen in ghost immobilisers, specifically the ability to remotely shut off the engine following unauthorised access.
Another common technique is known as the "ECU hack." Thieves can use a device to plug into the car's Engine Control Unit (ECU) port and reprogram the car's electronic control module (ECM) to bypass the security system and start the vehicle. Good news to Redhill motorists with newer marquees: this method is most effective on older vehicles with less advanced security features.
However, older vehicle owners can increase car security levels by resorting to ghost immobilisers, which interfaces with the ECU to essentially wrest back control, or simply deny it. Simple stolen vehicle tracking systems, when well integrated by a professional team like our own, will ensure that even if this technique is simple, the thieves don’t get far.
One of the most brazen modern vehicle theft techniques is the "key cloning" method. Thieves can use sophisticated tools to read the electronic codes stored in a car's key fob and then create a duplicate key that can be used to unlock and start the vehicle. This technique is most effective on high-end vehicles with advanced security systems and can be carried out with minimal effort. Again, ghost immobilisers and stolen vehicle tracking systems like Thatcham S5 Trackers are effective in these kinds of cases.
To protect yourself against modern vehicle theft techniques, there are additional measures you can look to take. Thieves have been shown to be less willing to steal cars featuring vehicle dash cams, as they really don’t want to be caught in the act on camera! There goes any plausible deniability. Window tinting can also deter opportunists, as if they can’t see inside the vehicle, they’re less able to plan a means of attack. (And while the other key product we make available to Redhill motorists, reverse cameras, aren’t much of a car security feature, they can prevent you having to visit the bodywork shop – which certainly makes them another aftermarket upgrade well worth considering).
