Keyless car entry kits are being sold on the web for less than £100 which makes them easily accessible to any car thief, warn Tracker.
Car hacking is a growing issue for motorists with many vehicle manufacturers now adopting keyless technology. Jaguar Land Rover is the latest manufacturer to boost its vehicle security to tackle the problem.
There has been a rise in the numbers of vehicles stolen using the method, with Range Rover Evoques and Sports particularly vulnerable. In 2014 a total of 99 Land Rovers and Range Rovers were stolen and recovered by TRACKER. Of those, 72 were taken without the owner’s keys.
Andy Barrs, Police Liaison Officer for TRACKER says, “Keyless car theft is prolific in some areas of the UK. Police in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea have been instructed to stop all drivers of Range Rovers to check they own the vehicle because of the number of the cars being stolen using “keyless” entry methods. This clearly demonstrates that it is still a huge issue.
“The problem is not just confined to Range Rovers though but extends to a broad range of other premium cars including BMW, Audi, Mercedes and VW, although the current theft trend is luxury 4x4s. And you don’t even need the full car entry kit; devices that override the ignition system can be brought online for as little as £20.
“The equipment being used to steal a vehicle in this way is legitimately used by workshops to carry out routine maintenance, therefore the challenge remains, how to stop these devices ending up in the wrong hands. One step motorists can take is investing in a tracking unit.
