With car thefts in the UK on the rise, one expert reveals just how easy it is to steal a high-end vehicle – and what every driver should know.
In 2024, more than 130,000 cars were stolen in the UK, with the majority of thefts involving high-value, keyless entry vehicles. These numbers reflect a rising trend and a growing threat, as criminals exploit vulnerabilities in modern vehicle technology.
Gareth Brooks, car security expert and Chief Executive at Ghost Installations, who has studied keyless car theft up close. What he revealed is deeply alarming for UK car owners: luxury cars can be stolen in 17 seconds, original equipment manufacturer trackers can be easily disabled, and criminal operations span international borders with ease.
In this exclusive Q&A, Gareth walks us through how these thefts happen – alongside sharing video evidence – discusses which vehicles are most vulnerable, and why greater awareness is urgently needed before this becomes a UK-wide, and potentially global, issue.
Q: How quickly can a keyless car be stolen?
“Keyless cars can be stolen in as little as seven seconds. Jaguar Land Rovers (JLR) are the easiest to steal and also have the highest value in terms of parts, which puts them higher up on the thieves’ hit list. They’re worth more broken down than they are intact in many cases.”
Q: How do criminals get access to the technology used to steal these vehicles?
“If you Google ‘keyless car repeater’, you’ll find multiple retailers worldwide. I made contact with one in Sofia, Bulgaria. I flew out there, met the seller, and was taken from the hotel to a warehouse. It was basically a school on how to pinch vehicles. I paid £10,000 and they demonstrated the device on a car outside. I brought it back to the UK – it’ll pinch any keyless car.”
This account highlights the sophistication and global reach of modern vehicle theft technology. The tools used to steal these cars are not obscure – they are readily available to anyone with money and intent.
Q: Can you explain how this relay device actually works?
“From a technical point of view, it’s simple but effective. One person stands by the house, as that’s where the keys usually are. The device picks up the signal from the keys and relays it to another box being held by someone standing next to the car. The car thinks the key is nearby and unlocks.”
This is known as a relay attack – a technique that exploits keyless entry systems to unlock and start a vehicle without the physical key, and Gareth showcases just how quickly this can happen with video evidence. He also explains how a ghost immobiliser can stop this from happening.
Q: What specific vulnerabilities do these attacks exploit?
“Keyless systems are designed for convenience, but that’s also their biggest flaw. They make cars easier to access – and easier to steal.”
The UK’s National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) confirms that relay thefts now account for the majority of high-end vehicle thefts, especially for brands like Land Rover, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
Q: Can OEM trackers help recover stolen vehicles?
“Not reliably. For example, the tracker in a Range Rover can be disabled in seconds. Just go into the back of the car, and unplug the telecommunications module, and it’s done. In 30 seconds, the tracker is out, and the relay attack can drive the vehicle away undetected.”
Gareth points out that even if GPS jammers aren’t used, the simplicity of disconnecting built-in trackers makes it easy for thieves to cover their tracks.
Q: Where do these stolen cars end up?
Gareth added, “Japanese vehicles and hybrids usually go abroad. Jaguars and similar high-end vehicles often get broken down for parts right here in the UK.”
This dual-market strategy – exporting some vehicles, and dismantling others – makes it even harder for authorities to trace or recover stolen cars.
Why awareness matters
Raising public awareness is crucial to help British car owners keep their vehicles safe and protected. Many drivers still believe their cars are safe simply because they’re modern, high-tech, or come equipped with factory-fitted trackers. But the reality is stark – these very features make them targets.
Tips to protect your vehicle:
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Install a secondary immobiliser or steering wheel lock.
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Park in well-lit, secure areas with CCTV where possible.
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Regularly check if your car’s software can be updated with improved security patches.
Final Thoughts from Gareth, “Most people have no idea how fast or easy it is. I’ve seen vehicles worth £100,000 driven off in under 30 seconds. This isn’t just opportunistic theft – it’s organised, it’s profitable, and it’s growing.”
With car thefts becoming more technologically advanced, it’s clear that vehicle security must evolve just as rapidly. In the meantime, awareness remains one of the best lines of defence.
