How to Protect Your EV from Thieves

Check out our top tips to help secure your electric vehicle (EV) from theft, with insights into thieves’ methods in the UK. With tech-savvy and more traditional solutions available, we are here to help you put up a shield around your prized possession.

Is your electric steed truly safe from the prying eyes of the modern highwaymen?

Protection from Modern-Day Bandits

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) disclosed that over half of all stolen vehicles in the UK fell victim to keyless theft. Such thefts involve sophisticated relay devices that can unlock a car and start its engine, merely by using the signals between the car and its key.

One of the key points to take away from their data is that Keyless entry and start systems double the risk of car thefts according to insurer Aviva. According to ONS data, 76% of vehicle-related thefts occur at night and 73% of car thefts occur outside the owners’ homes.

However, the use of mechanical anti-theft devices has declined, with only 15% of targeted vehicles using them in 2020, compared to 29% in 2010.

Cars are commonly stolen for chop shops, which create a profitable environment for auto theft. Thieves sell stolen vehicles to these illegal operations, where the cars are swiftly dismantled for components. Frequently, these parts are then used to fix up insurance write-offs acquired as salvage.

Keyless Car Theft Methods

Keyless cars use digital fobs, cards, or smartphone apps for entry and ignition. Thefts can occur when thieves trick the car into thinking the correct digital key or app is present, here are a few of their methods:

Signal Relaying: Thieves capture the signal from a genuine key and store it on their device. This can then be relayed to unlock and start your car at any time.
Signal Jamming: Devices can jam the remote key fob signal, which will prevent your car from locking properly, making you think you have secured the vehicle when it actually remains unlocked.
Key Programming: Thieves plug devices into the car’s diagnostic port to program a blank key fob.
Close Range Testing: This is where keyfobs left close to a car can be used by thieves to check to see which one it will unlock.
Code Grabbing: Advanced gadgets can capture the locking signals to enable the device to calculate the unlock code.
App Hacking: This is where thieves can hack car apps using smartphones to unlock and start the car.

Tips to Help Protect Your Car

There are several precautions you can take against keyless theft. Using metal signal-blocking containers for key fobs and installing steering or pedal locks and using tracking devices will all help. Also, parking in secure and well-lit areas will also act as a deterrent to would-be thieves.

So here are a few golden rules you should consider when parking and securing your car:

Look for Indicators: When locking up your vehicle, always ensure your car indicators flash when you trigger the locking mechanism of your car. You can also sometimes check the doors are locked by pulling on the handle, but in some circumstances, this will unlock your car again if the key fob is about your person.
Use a Signal Blocker: It is a good idea to store keys in an aluminium tin, signal-blocking box, or Faraday pouch. Faraday pouches or signal-blocking boxes are more effective and safer as they block thieves’ devices that can read your fob from a distance even when not in use.
Protect your home from break-ins, so thieves can’t steal your original car keys.
Use Physical Locks: Consider using steering wheel locks, pedal locks, and wheel and tyre locking devices. Such devices were more common in the past, but are set to become more popular as they can help deter thieves by making them remove a physical lock, which will take time. It is definitely worth your time to fit one of these devices every time you park your car.
Install a Tracker: Use tracking devices to monitor car movement so that if your car does get stolen, you can pinpoint where it is to aid recovery. The police would be most thankful for such foresight. Vehicle Recovery Systems, use electronic transmissions to aid law enforcement in tracking down stolen vehicles.
Switch Off or Use Motion Sensor Fobs: Certain car keyfobs can be deactivated using a button or a switch or have motion sensors that will detect when the fob has not moved and will automatically deactivate itself.
Consider CCTV: Installing security cameras or smart doorbells for surveillance can help in identifying thieves and maybe help to alarm you if there is suspicious activity around your car or property. Such devices can also act as a deterrent for would-be thieves.
Software Updates: Make sure you regularly update your car’s software. You can learn more about securing your EV in our blog here.
Neighbourhood Watch: Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your neighbourhood so you can all keep a watchful eye out and raise awareness.
Keep your Car Hidden: If you can, store your car in a garage or secure area which will make it harder to access and get away from.
Install Security Lights: As most thefts occur where it is dark, use motion-sensor floodlights for parked cars. These lights help to scare off intruders as well as alert others to movement around your vehicle.
Take your key with you. Never leave your key in or near the vehicle. Many opportune thefts can take place when you make it easy for them.
Lock up your car and windows: Ensure all your windows are securely closed, and that every door is locked when you leave your vehicle.
Keep valuables out of sight: These are all best kept out of sight and better still, don’t leave any valuables in the vehicle at all.
Manufacturers are taking steps to improve security, such as introducing motion sensor keys and “Pin to Drive” features so look to buy cars with these features where you can.

Anti-Theft Tips in Detail

Protect that Charging Cable

Just as one wouldn’t leave a designer handbag in the open, electric vehicle owners should take extra care to ensure charging cables are safely stowed away. These seemingly innocuous cables can fetch quite a sum, upwards of £200 on platforms like eBay. A concerning revelation, especially when catalytic converter thefts in hybrid cars have seen a 450% spike.

Lock it securely when not playing the part of the environmental saviour and keep it out of your car. One never knows the lengths these light-fingered folks will go to.

Boosting Security

Investing in advanced security features can pay dividends. Ensuring your vehicle’s immobiliser and alarm are of Thatcham Category 1 can not only increase security but potentially lower insurance premiums. Also, as cars regularly update their software systems, staying informed about new functionalities can further bolster a vehicle’s safety.

Parking Habits

A car’s location can significantly reduce or heighten its risk of theft. Parking on dimly lit side streets away from residential areas can make your vehicle an easy target. In contrast, parking close to other cars, especially in zones with operational CCTV, can deter potential thieves.

Many smartphone apps now offer secure parking options with real-time availability.

From padlocks to surveillance and ensuring one’s insurance is in tip-top shape, it’s imperative to keep our wits about us. After all, every motor, be it EV or otherwise, has a story to tell, let’s ensure it’s not a tragedy.