You’ve probably seen stories in the news about cars being stolen without the keys - sometimes right from people’s driveways. It can sound almost unbelievable. But the truth is, today’s thieves are using technology that copies or “relays” the signal from your key fob to unlock and start your car.
It happens quickly, quietly, and without any damage. And while it sounds complex, the good news is that preventing it is simple once you understand how it works.
🔍 How Keyless Entry Works
Most modern cars use a keyless entry system. That means your car key doesn’t just unlock the doors - it’s constantly sending out a small wireless signal.
When you approach your car, the car recognises that signal and automatically unlocks the doors.
The problem is: that same signal is always “on”. Even when your keys are sitting on a bench or by the front door, they’re still quietly transmitting.
🦹 How Thieves Take Advantage Of It
Criminals use a method called a relay attack. It works like this:
- One thief stands close to your house holding a signal booster. This device picks up the wireless signal from your key fob - even through walls, windows, and doors.
- A second thief stands near your car holding a receiver. The boosted signal is sent to them, tricking your car into thinking the key is right beside it.
- The car unlocks and starts, just like normal - and in less than 60 seconds, it’s gone.
It’s fast, silent, and leaves almost no trace of forced entry.
Police and insurers across Australia, the UK and the US have seen these incidents rise sharply as keyless cars become more common.
🏠 Why It’s Hard To Notice
Because there’s no smashed window or broken lock, many people don’t even realise how it happened.
CCTV footage often just shows two people walking up, opening the car, and driving off as if they owned it.
That’s what makes it so unsettling - it doesn’t “look” like a theft.
✅ The Good News: It’s Easy To Prevent
The technology might be clever, but the fix is simple: block the signal.
A Faraday pouch or Faraday box is designed with special lining material that creates a small “shielded zone” around your keys. This stops any wireless communication - meaning the thief’s booster can’t find or copy the signal.
When you store your keys inside a Faraday pouch or box, it’s as if the signal disappears completely.
Your car becomes invisible to anyone trying to relay it.
🧰 Small Steps That Make A Big Difference
A few extra habits can keep you even safer:
- Store your keys away from doors and windows, not on a hall table.
- Use a Faraday pouch when you’re out and about, and a Faraday box at home overnight.
- Test your pouch every few months — place your key inside, walk to your car, and make sure it doesn’t unlock.
- Turn off keyless entry in your car’s settings if your model allows it.
These simple steps stop a high-tech theft in its tracks.
🕊️ Final Thought
Modern crime moves quickly, but so can you.
Understanding how these attacks work — and taking small, proven steps to block them — is the easiest way to protect your car, your home, and your peace of mind.
👉 Explore Totyn’s Faraday Pouches and Boxes to see how simple protection can be.