Key Points
- Criminals caught with electronic devices used in car thefts now face up to five years in prison under a new law.
- The Crime and Policing Bill will be introduced in Parliament on Tuesday.
- The law bans the possession, sale, and distribution of devices like signal jammers.
- These gadgets block remote locks, allowing thieves to enter vehicles without a key.
- Offenders could face up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine.
- Previously, prosecution required proof of use in a crime; the new law shifts the burden of proof to the owner.
- Police say these devices are used in 40% of vehicle thefts in England and Wales and 60% in London.
- There were 732,000 vehicle-related thefts in the year ending September 2024.
- Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson called vehicle thefts “devastating” for victims.
- East London remains a hotspot, with vehicle crime rates 217% higher than the national average.
- The Metropolitan Police have struggled to resolve over 90% of car theft cases in recent years.
Criminals Using Car Theft Devices Face Five Years in Prison Under New Law
Criminals caught with electronic devices used in 40% of vehicle thefts will now face tougher penalties, including up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine. The new measure is part of the Crime and Policing Bill, set to be introduced in Parliament on Tuesday.
The law will ban the possession, sale, and distribution of tools such as signal jammers, which allow thieves to bypass remote locking systems and steal vehicles without a key.
How Will the New Law Change Car Theft Prosecutions?
Under the current system, individuals can only be prosecuted if there is proof they have used these devices to commit a crime. However, the new law shifts the burden of proof onto the owner, meaning they will need to demonstrate a legitimate reason for having such a device.
Anyone found importing, making, adapting, or distributing these tools could face severe penalties, with the aim of cracking down on organised car theft networks.
Why Are Electronic Devices a Major Issue in Car Theft?
According to police data, signal jammers and similar devices are used in four out of every ten vehicle thefts in England and Wales. In London, the figure rises to six out of ten. The 2022/23 Crime Survey for England and Wales found that in 40% of vehicle thefts, criminals manipulated the signal from a remote locking device to gain entry.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson acknowledged public concerns, stating:
“These thefts have a devastating effect on victims, who need their vehicles to go about their everyday lives. We are aware of the real concerns people feel with the use of these electronic devices being so prolific.”
How Bad Is Car Theft in London and East London?
Vehicle-related crime remains a growing issue across London, particularly in the East. Statistics show that from September 2015 to September 2021, the city saw 169,694 reported car thefts.
Romford, East London, has been highlighted as a hotspot, with a theft rate of 16.38 per 1,000 insurance inquiries in 2021—an increase from previous years. As of January 2025, East London’s vehicle crime rate is 217% higher than the national average, with car thefts accounting for around 8.5% of all reported crimes.
Are Police Struggling to Solve Car Theft Cases?
Despite efforts to curb vehicle crime, the Metropolitan Police have faced challenges in solving these cases. Recent reports indicate that more than 90% of car thefts in London remain unresolved during specific reporting periods.
Historically, car theft peaked in October 2018, with over 3,000 incidents in a single month. While cases dropped to 1,616 in April 2020 during lockdown, thefts have been rising again since restrictions were lifted.
What Should Car Owners Do to Protect Their Vehicles?
With the rising threat of high-tech car theft, experts recommend additional security measures, including:
- Using steering wheel locks as a visual deterrent.
- Parking in well-lit or secure areas.
- Installing tracking devices.
- Keeping key fobs in signal-blocking pouches to prevent relay attacks.
As the Crime and Policing Bill progresses through Parliament, authorities hope that stricter penalties will deter criminals and reduce the growing rate of vehicle thefts across the country.
