AUTO LOCKSMITHS
GONE IN 10 SECONDS
Thieves able to drive-off in some of Britain’s
most popular models in a matter of seconds.
» » EXCLUSIVE WHAT CAR?
research shows some of the latest
and most popular models with
keyless entry can be broken into
in just seconds. Security experts
are able to steal the new DS3
Crossback in just 10 seconds,
while popular Discovery Sport
could be driven away in 30
seconds.
Some of Britain’s newest and
most popular cars are at risk
of being stolen in a matter of
seconds, because thieves are
able to exploit weaknesses in their
keyless entry and start systems,
according to ground-breaking
market intelligence from Britain’s
leading consumer champion and
new car buying platform, What
Car?.
An exclusive test by What Car?
found the new DS3 Crossback
Ultra Prestige could be unlocked
and started in 10 seconds
by thieves using specialist
technology. The Audi TT RS could
also be stolen in 10 seconds -
although only when its optional
keyless entry system was active
and its motion sensor technology
had not disabled the keyfob. The
recently replaced Land Rover
Discovery Sport could also be
stolen in 30 seconds.
Car theft rates in England and
Wales have reached an eight-year
high, with more than 106,000
stolen last year alone. Vehicles
fitted with keyless entry and start
systems are being targeted by
thieves. Criminals using specialist
tools can capture a key’s signal
and relay it to another device next
to the car, allowing them to enter
and start the vehicle.
What Car? tested seven different
models, all fitted with keyless entry
and start technology. Its security
experts were able to break into a
number of them within a matter
of seconds. Some new models
86
on sale today feature technology
that helps prevents keyless theft.
Manufacturers, including Audi,
BMW, Ford and Mercedes-Benz,
have introduced motion detection
technology inside their car keys –
if the key is left untouched, it stops
emitting a signal. However, if the
key is in a pocket or handbag, and
the owner is walking around, the
car can still be vulnerable.
‘Some of Britain’s
newest and most
popular cars are
at risk of being
stolen in a matter of
seconds, because
thieves are able to
exploit weaknesses
in their keyless entry
and start systems’
Jaguar Land Rover has taken
a different approach, introducing
ultra-wide-band radio technology
on some of its latest models, which
transmits a wide range of signals
from the key, meaning thieves
can’t lock onto the signal and fool
the vehicle. What Car?’s security
experts couldn’t steal any vehicle
with their keyfobs deactivated.
However, this technology is not yet
widely available.
Steve Huntingford, editor of
What Car?, said: “It is outrageous
that some car makers have
introduced keyless entry and start
systems without making them
anywhere near as secure as the
traditional alternatives they’ve
replaced. It is great news that a
small number of brands are taking
the problem of car theft seriously,
but more needs to be done to
improve security, particularly of
desirable used models.”
Audi TT RS
Roadster Get into car Drive away
Advanced
Key inactive Not possible Not possible
Advanced
Key active 5 seconds 5 seconds
BMW X3
(2018) Get into car Drive away
Digital Smart
Key inactive Not possible Not possible
Digital Smart
Key active 40 seconds 20 seconds
DS3 Crossback
Ultra Prestige Get into car Drive away
Standard Key 5 seconds 5 seconds
Ford Fiesta Get into car Drive away
Sleeping Key
Fob inactive Not possible Not possible
Sleeping Key
Fob active 40 seconds 20 seconds
Land Rover
Discovery Get into car Drive away
Standard Key 20 seconds Not possible
Land Rover
Discovery
(Sport 2018) Get into car Drive away
Standard Key 10 seconds 20 seconds
Mercedes-
Benz A-Class Get into car Drive away
Keyless-Go key
fob inactive Not possible Not possible
Keyless-Go key
fob active 30 seconds 20 seconds
What Car?, the UK’s leading and most trusted
car buying brand, has the magazine, a market-
leading website and several established brand
extensions. It has helped Britain’s car buyers to
make purchasing decisions for more than 40
years and its tests are widely regarded as the
most trusted source of new car advice.
Are keyless cars a help or a
hindrance to auto locksmiths?
Have your say and get in touch
at [email protected]
SEP/OCT 2019
locksmithjournal.co.uk
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