Cars can be stolen within 90 seconds, warns AA

Photo by Bastian Pudill on Unsplash

Drivers are being warned thieves can steal your car in just 90 seconds.

The AA says robbers are using hi-tech methods like relay boxes which are placed near the car, and the front door of houses where keys are usually kept, to extend the signal.

They can then open the doors and drive off.

Security experts are advising motorists to use steering wheel locks to protect their vehicles.

How Relay Theft work?

Basically, thieves can use devices to bounce the signal from the key fob inside your house, to your car outside.

Once the key is relatively close to the door or wall of the house, it may be a risk.

Scottish police shared this explainer on their social media:

Vehicles fitted with a contactless key are susceptible to a type of theft called “Relay Theft”.

There are measures you can take to prevent this:

🚘 Store keys in a security pouch

🚘 Don't leave keys by the door

🚘 Disable fobs

Secured by Design info: https://t.co/TDTMSTpfPC pic.twitter.com/AhLhAe1SWx

— Police Scotland Stirling (@PSOSStirling) May 20, 2023