Car theft is a growing problem in many parts of the world, and it is crucial for vehicle owners to understand the techniques used by thieves to better protect themselves. Just last year, nearly 50,000 cars were stolen in France only according to the latest Argos barometer.
The figures also show a worrying trend: the methods of theft are diversifying and improving with the use of new technologies. Here is an overview of these new - and older - techniques!
My GPS protection with anti-theft alerts1. Theft by electronic unlocking (bump key) #
Theft by electronic unlocking is a method increasingly used by modern car thieves. It involves manipulating the electronic key or using a “bump key” to open the car doors without damaging the locks.
Thieves often use electronic devices that emit signals to unlock vehicles without the owner’s intervention. This technique is often used on recent vehicles equipped with sophisticated locking systems.
💡 How to protect yourself? #
One way to protect against this technique is to use good old anti-theft devices, such as wheel locks or steering wheel locks. While there are ways to counter them, it will significantly slow down the thieves’ work and give you a chance to catch them in the act.
2. Remote control hacking #
Another type of electronic theft is remote control hacking. This technique relies on sophisticated devices capable of capturing the signal from your car’s remote control from a distance. This allows thieves to unlock the car without ever touching the physical key. According to a study conducted by Coyote, this technique is gaining momentum every year.
💡 How to protect yourself? #
One of the best solutions against remote control hacking is to disable the signal from your key when it’s not in use, which can be done manually or via an automatic sleep function in your car. You can also place it in an aluminum-lined case to prevent waves from passing through.
3. Relay attack #
The relay attack is a theft technique that closely resembles hacking and allows thieves to intercept the signal from your electronic key without needing to physically possess the key.
It requires two people: one at a specific distance from the key to capture the signals, the other near the car to receive these signals and “trick” the car by sending them to it. Thieves use a sort of relay to amplify the signal emitted by your key, allowing them to open the car remotely.
💡 How to protect yourself? #
To avoid the relay attack, keep your key in a metal box or anti-relay case that prevents signals from escaping.
4. Physical break-in #
Despite technological advances, physical break-in remains a common method. Thieves break windows or force locks to enter the vehicle. This can be an opportunistic or well-planned theft, especially when a vehicle is left unattended for a long time.
💡 How to protect yourself? #
Alarm systems are essential to deter thieves. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with an alarm system that will alert the entire neighborhood in case of an attempt, as well as additional locking.
5. Theft by towing #
Some thieves use towing to steal cars, especially in areas where vehicles are parked unattended. This method is increasingly popular because it allows a car to be stolen discreetly, without attracting attention.
💡 How to protect yourself? #
A GPS tracker is particularly useful in this case. If your car is towed, it can help you quickly locate your vehicle and alert authorities before it’s too late. With tracker models like those from Invoxia, you are even alerted as soon as suspicious movement occurs around your vehicle.
6. Mouse Jacking #
Mouse Jacking is a technique that targets modern cars equipped with keyless systems (Keyless Entry). Thieves exploit a vulnerability in the communication system between the key and the car by intercepting and sending command signals to the car. This allows them to unlock and start the vehicle, even without possessing the key.
💡 How to protect yourself? #
To avoid Mouse Jacking, it is important to store your keys in an anti-communication case to block any unauthorized transmission, or simply lined with metal to create a Faraday cage.
7. Theft of spare parts #
Theft of spare parts is a technique that focuses solely on recovering valuable components from a vehicle. This can include wheels, engines, airbags, etc.
This method is often practiced in less secure areas or isolated parking lots. Thieves can remove specific parts without having to steal the entire vehicle, allowing them to resell the spare parts at high prices. Unfortunately, the theft of spare parts has increased in recent years.
💡 How to protect yourself? #
Install security devices on your car’s spare parts, such as wheel locks or security screws.
How to effectively protect your vehicle against theft? #
While each theft technique has a more or less effective obstacle, the best way to protect your car against theft is still to combine multiple security systems. Modern solutions, such as GPS trackers, allow you to locate your car, be immediately alerted in case of suspicious movement, and facilitate its recovery in case of theft.
The Invoxia GPS Pro and Classic trackers offer discreet and effective protection against theft. They are lightweight, easy to install, and offer reliable tracking, thanks to 4G LTE-M networks for the former and LoRa Orange for the latter.
Faced with the multiplication of car theft techniques, it is essential to protect your vehicle with modern and reliable tools. The Invoxia GPS tracker offers you an ideal solution to keep an eye on your car, wherever it is. With an affordable price and advanced features, it will allow you to react quickly in case of theft and protect your most valuable assets.
Of course, it’s not theft-proof! It is now almost essential to add at least one to your car protection to deter and prevent theft. Multiple theft protection is your only real weapon in this area.
> Discover our 7 tips to avoid vehicle theft here.