FEATURED POST
Secure your PCO car from keyless theft
Keyless entry comes as standard in many new PCO cars today e.g. the Kia Niro EV and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. It is a handy system that allows private hire drivers to get into and start the car with the key in the pocket.
Keyless technology is incredibly convenient and cool – but it can also cause some problems.
Keyless car thefts are becoming more common in the UK. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show they accounted for 94% of all vehicles recovered by Tracker in 2021, reaching a record high.
What’s more – a recent AA study revealed half of the car owners don’t take measures to protect their keyless car keys.
Don’t worry, Otto Car is here to help. In this article, we’ll have a look at how keyless entry works, how car thieves steal cars without the keys, and of course, what you can do to protect your PCO cars from keyless theft. Make sure you read till the end!
How does keyless entry work?
A keyless car key has a transceiver, which can send and receive encrypted radio frequency signals.
When the key comes within the short-range distance of the car, it transmits a signal which is picked up by the car’s receiver. The onboard computer will then confirm the signal and unlock the door. The same key works to start the engine. Likewise, you can simply walk away and the car can lock itself.
But as you might already know, improved technology is a double-edged sword…
How do thieves steal keyless cars?
Keyless car theft, also known as ‘relay theft’ or ‘relay attack’, is actually simpler and quicker than you thought.
Keyless car thieves usually work in pairs – one using a relay device to capture the car key signal and transmit it to the target car, while the other stands near the car to receive the signal and unlock the car. That sounds scary, right? Don’t panic, read on to find out what you can do to secure your PCO car.
How to protect your PCO car from keyless theft?
Now you know how car thieves steal keyless cars. Luckily there are many ways that you can do to protect your keyless entry car.
- Put your car key in a signal-blocking key wallet – An RFID blocking wallet, also known as a faraday keyfob pouch, provides a signal blocker for your car key, preventing thieves from picking up and relaying signals from your key, to shield against break-ins and keyless theft. Try putting your car key in a metal container e.g. a biscuit tin, if you need a quick and easy solution.
- Get a steering wheel lock – We know what you’re thinking. Yes, this is a traditional yet effective method to secure your car. It also acts as a visual deterrent for car thieves.
- Park defensively – If you park on the street, please make sure it’s in a well-lit area and if possible, in the view of your home.
Get your signal-blocking wallet for free from Otto Car
Otto Car drivers can now get their free signal-blocking key wallet* at one of our 5 London hubs. Constructed with premium carbon fibre textured material, our car key wallet is not only a signal-blocker but also a premium and trendy accessory.
Visit the team and get your PCO car protected!
Hammersmith – 3 Sussex Place, W6 9EA
Hendon – Unit 3 Hyde Estate Rd, NW9 6JX
Dulwich – Studio F05, Parkhall Business Centre, 40 Martell Road, SE21 8EN
Ilford – The Vintry, 53 Redbridge Lane East, IG4 5EY
Hackney – Excel Building – Haggerston, 6-16 Arbutus Street, E8 4DT
*Not applicable for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. For Otto Car drivers only and limited to one wallet per driver. Limited stock is available and offered on a first come first served basis. No need to make an appointment and we will need to confirm your identity on our database for approval.
Want to learn more?
Vestibulum nec scelerisque mauris,eget finibus justo. Vivamus metus justo, semper vel facilisis quis, scelerisque ut libero. Aenean eget porttitor nisi. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum nec scelerisque mauris,eget finibus justo. Aenean eget porttitor nisi. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum nec scelerisque mauris,eget finibus justo. Vivamus metus justo, semper vel facilisis quis, scelerisque ut libero. Aenean eget porttitor nisi. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum nec scelerisque mauris,eget finibus justo. Aenean eget porttitor nisi. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
