Key Points:
- Mike Ellis, a 49-year-old from Bexleyheath, shares his experience of protecting his keyless car from theft.
- His vehicle was targeted twice by thieves using amplifying devices to steal keyless cars.
- He took action by using steering wheel locks, Faraday pouches, and other traditional security measures.
- Ellis’ proactive measures proved effective after a recent attempted theft.
- Lancaster Insurance experts highlight the importance of traditional security measures in reducing car theft.
Mike Ellis, a Bexleyheath resident in South East London, has shared his experience of protecting his keyless car after it was targeted twice by thieves. The 49-year-old explained how his vehicle became a target due to the growing concern over keyless car theft, where thieves use amplifying devices to capture signals from keyless fobs and gain access to vehicles.
What prompted Mike Ellis to take action?
Mike’s first major wake-up call came when his wife’s car was stolen from their driveway. The theft occurred when the thieves used a cloning device to capture the key signal through their front door. The entire incident was captured on camera. This forced Ellis to take decisive action to safeguard his own car.
How did Mike Ellis prevent future theft attempts?
In response to the theft, Ellis began using traditional security measures. He invested in steering wheel locks and Faraday pouches to block signals from the keyless fobs. Ellis explained: “Now, we both use steering wheel locks, and I religiously put it on every time I leave the car. We were also advised to purchase a Faraday pouch to stop the signal being emitted from the key.”
Were these security measures effective?
Mike’s decision to invest in these security measures was proven to be wise when, on a recent occasion, thieves attempted to steal his vehicles. “They looked to be using a scanning device on one of my cars, but as we have invested in signal-blocking pouches and a steering wheel lock, they were fortunately not able to drive away with our vehicles,” Ellis said.
What advice do experts give on protecting cars from theft?
Experts at Lancaster Insurance have reinforced the effectiveness of traditional security measures in protecting vehicles from theft. Rich Morley, an expert from Lancaster Insurance, explained: “When considering a risk profile, we will establish with customers any security measures they have in place to prevent potential theft. In many cases, this will be to add traditional security measures such as a steering lock, wheel clamp, or driveway bollards.” These measures not only act as visible deterrents but can also lower insurance premiums.
How can traditional security measures reduce car theft risk?
With the rise of keyless car theft, experts stress that traditional security measures like steering locks and wheel clamps remain crucial in deterring thieves. These measures make vehicles more difficult to steal and provide peace of mind to owners.
