How to Stop Your Car Being Stolen in the UK

Summary

• Keyless car theft (relay theft) is the biggest threat: Thieves use a relay device to amplify your key fob signal from inside your house. A Faraday pouch blocks this.
• Catalytic converter theft is rising: Hybrid cars are especially targeted. A cat lock or cage can protect yours.
• Simple measures help: Steering locks, trackers, and parking in well-lit areas all deter thieves. See our anti-theft devices guide.

Over 100,000 cars are stolen in the UK every year. And the methods are getting more sophisticated.

Here's how thieves do it — and what you can do to stop them.

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How Cars Get Stolen

Relay Theft (Keyless Cars)

This is now the most common method. Thieves use two electronic devices:

1. One person stands near your house with a relay device that picks up the signal from your key fob inside.
2. The signal is relayed to a second device near your car.
3. The car thinks the key is nearby and unlocks. The thieves drive away.

It takes less than 30 seconds.

OBD Port Hacking

Thieves break into the car (often through a window) and plug a device into the OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port. This lets them programme a new key and drive away.

Car Jacking

Less common but still happens. Thieves approach you at traffic lights, petrol stations, or car parks and force you out of the car.

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How to Protect Your Car

For Keyless Cars

• Faraday pouch: Keep your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch when at home. Costs £5–£15.
• Faraday box: A metal-lined box for your keys. More reliable than pouches. Costs £15–£30.
• Turn off keyless entry: Some cars let you disable keyless functionality. Check your handbook.

Physical Deterrents

• Steering wheel lock: Visible and effective. The Disklok is popular. Costs £50–£150.
• Wheel clamp: Heavy-duty option. Very hard to remove without the key.
• Pedal lock: Locks the brake or clutch pedal in place.

Electronic Security

• GPS tracker: If your car is stolen, a tracker helps police recover it. Costs £100–£300 plus a monthly subscription.
• Thatcham-approved alarm: Higher-category alarms can reduce insurance premiums too.
• Dash cam with parking mode: Records activity around your car while parked.

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Protecting Against Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic converters contain precious metals. Thieves can remove one in under 2 minutes with a battery-powered saw.

• Cat locks or cages: Metal guards bolted over the converter. Costs £200–£500 fitted.
• Marking kits: Products like Catloc Secure mark the converter with a traceable code.
• Park in garages or against walls: Make it harder for thieves to get underneath.

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Most Stolen Cars in the UK

Car	Why It's Targeted
Range Rover / Land Rover	High resale value, easy to ship abroad
Ford Fiesta	Huge number on UK roads, parts in demand
BMW 3 Series	Premium parts, keyless entry vulnerability
Mercedes C-Class	High value, sophisticated but hackable electronics
Toyota Prius (cat theft)	Hybrid converter contains more precious metals

Layered security works best. A Faraday pouch stops relay theft. A steering lock stops opportunists. A tracker helps recover a stolen car. Use all three.

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What to Do If Your Car Is Stolen

1. Call 999 immediately: If you see the theft happening or the thieves are still nearby.
2. Report to police: Call 101 or report online. You'll get a crime reference number.
3. Tell your insurer: Report the theft as soon as possible.
4. Check your tracker: If you have a GPS tracker, share the location with police.
5. Notify the DVLA: If the car isn't recovered, tell the DVLA so it's flagged on the system.

To check if a car you're buying has been reported stolen, use our car history check.

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