“Police may help find a stolen car, but you can prevent it from being stolen.”

Stolen Car Keys

The Growing Trend

Car technology has improved significantly over the years, with sophisticated alarms and immobilisers fitted with most new vehicles.

These devices do act as useful deterrents for thieves but a growing number of frustrated criminals are changing their approach to stealing cars in order to overcome the challenges they face.

For the thieves who are not easily put off there is a rising method of car crime known as ‘car key theft’. Instead of offenders trying to break into a car to obtain it, they go about stealing the car keys. With car keys thieves can deactivate the alarm and electronic immobiliser making them as valuable as the car.

Thieves have also realised that most people will keep all their keys on one key ring such as car keys, steering wheel locks keys therefore, some extra features that an owner has put on their vehicle will prove useless when the thief has all the keys.

Police may help find a stolen car, but you can prevent it from being stolen.

Not just for new and expensive cars

If you think new and top end cars are the only cars at risk from ‘Car Key Theft’ then think again. Many thieves are recognising the ease of this approach and that potentially any car they choose could be their's.

Why thieves prefer this approach

No need to break into the car so less damage, less noise, less attention
No alarm alert so less chance of getting caught
Reduced risk with a quick, undetected get away
More likely to sell the car quicker if there is no damage
Police will not be suspicious as the car has no damage

The methods thieves use to steal car keys

Thieves are not easily put off and they will use a variety of different methods to obtain your car keys:

Sneaking

From observing home and vehicle owners thieves have realised that people often leave their belongings in the most convenient places making them an easy target to steal.

Thieves have noticed that people are more likely to leave keys in places they remember and for easy access when they need them. Most people will leave their keys in full view on a table or hanging on a wall near windows and doors or even on the door itself.

Opportunist thieves will sneak into open doors and window taking full advantage of the situation by stealing car keys and helping themselves to anything else they can grab to load into the readily available car for a quick and worthwhile theft.

Hook and Cane Method (‘Rod and Hook’ Method)

Another variation on the above technique is when thieves will use a hook and a cane or a fishing rod or wire to hook these keys through the front door letterbox or even an open window usually in the middle of the night when everyone is fast asleep. They will also break into doors and windows to get your house or car keys.

Think: Most people usually have their house keys on their car keys and people often keep personal documents in their car which usually has addresses and other important information on them. Once the thieves have got your car keys they are free take your vehicle and to burgle your house because they know your address.

Car Key Burglaries – Don’t become a victim twice in one day

There is a growing method for criminals who will gain access to your property and in the course of a house burglary steal your car keys in order to steal cars that are parked in the driveway or outside the house.

Taking your car is also the easiest way for thieves to make off with all your processions after they have finished burgling your house.

Thieves also steal your spare car keys and come back to steal your car when you come back home or later on.

Car key - Easy Pickings

When people are out thieves go about stealing their car keys from pockets or handbags and then proceed to walk around nearby parking areas aiming the keys at any car that is the same make until they find your car.

Frosting

The simplest way a criminal can get their hands on your vehicle is if you leave your keys in the ignition and leave it unattended. Unsuspecting vehicle owners often leave their cars unattended for a few minutes while the engine is running – while defrosting their cars in winter, to pay at petrol stations, collecting children from school and popping into a shop quickly.

Criminals are always on the lookout for activities like these from vehicle owners so they can pounce when the owners least expect it.

More importantly vehicle owners are very likely to have their claims from their car insurance companies rejected because the vehicle owner has left their keys in the ignition.

Jacking

One of the more disturbing methods is when thieves wait for car owners and then use force to remove their car keys from the ignition before driving off with their vehicle.

Thieves will also use an element of surprise on motorists stopped in traffic or junctions, similarly forcing the owner from their vehicle before making a quick get away or using smash and grab when the car is at stand still in traffic to make off with valuable processions such as laptops.

Simple precautions to help avoid ‘Stolen Car Keys’

Specific Anti-Theft Security Devices

You may think one anti-theft security device is enough, but it is always better to have many defensive strategies then one.

Biometric Immobiliser utilises remarkable biometric technology in order to combat ‘Car Key Theft’. If your vehicle had a biometric immobiliser professional fitted it would mean that even if a criminal did obtain your car keys, they would be useless without the owner’s fingerprint as the vehicle wouldn’t start without it.
It is like having two keys for your car except one key is part of your body. Therefore this technology can deter and prevent your vehicle being stolen by amateur or professional criminals. Biometric Immobiliser now comes with a Tracker
Vehicle Tracking Devices are great for tracing your vehicle down if it is stolen and even have your vehicle recovered
Car registration number and window etching vehicle have unique identification marks for instant detection
Use UV Ultra Violet pens to security mark any valuables in the car, such as Sat Nav systems and radios and make a note of them all

‘Stolen Car Keys’ Common Sense Defence Tips

You may think one anti-theft security device is enough, but it is always better to have many defensive strategies then one.

Car keys should be regarded as valuable as your bank cards. For most people vehicles are a big financial investment and car keys should be seen as an extension of this investment and should be seen as important as the vehicle.
Make sure car keys and house keys are never kept near doors, windows or in any visible places around the house
Don’t leave personal identification such as vehicle registration, and bank statements with your home address and other personal details in your vehicle or visible in your home.
You should always lock all house doors and windows when you are in a different room so thieves are prevented from sneaking into your house
Use UV Ultra Violet pens to security mark any valuables in the car, such as Sat Nav systems and radios and make a note of them all
Always take your keys with you when you leave your vehicle.
Never leave keys in the ignition and leave your car unattended even if it is on the driveway at home.
Always lock all windows, doors and sunroof every time you leave the vehicle
Never hide a spare set of keys in your vehicle. Keep spare car keys in a hidden and secure place at home and when you are out. Be sure to always check if they are missing if your home has been broken into. If thieves obtain spare car keys they may come back and try to steal your car later.
Always be vigilant and avoid unsafe situations such as car jacking by using car parks with CCTV and onsite security or try to park in well lit busy areas. Always lock vehicle doors when in the car and leave space from the car in front when at traffic lights. Make sure you hide valuables and bags in the boot or under the seat.
Try to use your garage or your driveway for parking at home

Always remember if you are ever confronted with a nasty situation, just let the thieves have it, your own safety is more valuable then your vehicles’.