WHAT IS RELAY ATTACK?

Keep hearing about the rise in vehicle theft? There's one theft method in particular to be concerned about. So, let's take a look

Car theft is an ongoing problem which many people face on a daily basis in the UK. With the introduction of keyless entry vehicles, many drivers are at risk to sophisticated methods of theft such as relay attacks.

Take a look below or feel free to call our Installs Team for guidance on 0330 055 2777

If you are here because your insure is insisting that you have a tracking system installed to protect against relay attack, then take a look at the S5 Tracker page.

What is Relay Car Theft?

Trackershop has seen an increase in installing vehicle security in response to relay attack

Ever wondered how thieves can steal your car without a key? It's called a 'Relay Attack'. Many new cars now have keyless entry systems. This allows the driver to open and start the car without using a button or turning a key so long as the fob is nearby.

The thief uses two devices: one picks up the signal from your key, even if it's inside your house, and the other one tricks your car into thinking the key is nearby.

This is why factory-fitted security is not effective against these theft methods - as the thieves can simply bypass the vehicle’s standard security system.
Worried about relay attack? Consider aftermarket solutions to enhance overall vehicle security such as tracking systems and immobilisers.

How Does Relay Attack work?

A relay attack usually involves two people working together. Thief 1 stands by the targeted vehicle, while thief 2 stands near the house with a device that can pick up a signal from the key fob. What’s more, some devices can pick up a signal from up to 100 metres away.

Once Thief 2’s device detects the key frequency from inside, it then relays this signal to thief 1’s device. This tricks the car into thinking the key is in close proximity, and instantly unlocks the doors. This allows the thieves to get in and drive away immediately. The most at-risk are cars that use keyless fobs, as well as ‘connected cars’.

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Who uses Relay Attack Devices?

Car theft is a rapidly growing issue in the UK, with more cars being reported stolen every single year. Quite often thefts occur from organised crime gangs. These cars are usually stolen where they end up in what’s known as a chop shop or sold on the black.

These gangs deploy a method called relay attack, which uses a radio interference technology to hijack a signal. Relay technology allows thieves to receive the signal from a key inside a house and transfer it to a portable device, allowing them to quickly and easily unlock and drive the car. All in a matter of seconds. Most devices are illegally sold through websites and other third parties. If you see any of these sites swiftly leave them and report them to the relevant authority.

How To Protect You Car Against Relay Attack

Without the right security and methods in place, it can be very hard to prevent relay attack.

Let’s take a look at what you can do to give yourself the best chance of not falling victim.

Here are three tips on how to help prevent and minimise car theft:

Make sure to keep any of your car keys and FOBs away from any easy place to locate. This way it will be harder for the thieves to detect where to go. This includes doors, windows or anywhere the thief is able to trace from the outside of your house. Be sure to do this with keys and FOBs including any spares.
If you have a keyless FOB with the capability of it being turned off, be sure to make sure the device is not active and is off. This is only applicable with particular FOBs. Make sure to read the manual and contact the vehicle manufacturer for further details if you are unsure.
Invest in a good quality security. Here at Trackershop we have a wide range of Trackers and Imobilisers which will help prevent chances of your vehicle being stolen. We strongly recommend the S5 Tracker along with a Ghost Immobiliser. Currently, the best and most effective security to protect your vehicle against relay attacks.

Shop S5 Tracker & Ghost Immobiliser

Where to buy Relay Attack Device Prevention

Here at Trackershop UK we provide our customers with only the best and most effective vehicle security. All with nationwide installation or delivery. We have the largest range of S5 Trackers, the highest level of insurance approved vehicle security, complete with 24/7 control room tracking and driver recognition.

Our Ghost immobiliser is undetectable to thieves and programmed with a unique personalised PIN, meaning nobody can ever start your vehicle without your permission. With the largest mobile engineer network in the UK, no matter what you require, we can ensure the quickest installation time in any postcode.