Stealing a car by holding a bag up to the front door.

[oragex]

Originally Posted by id5

The electronics in the criminals bag essentially just extends the range of the cars search and the fobs response.

Then this is a mess. Basically with the right device all cars are now just open doors and running engines. A child's game to steal, even compared with the old key system. They don't even need to steal the programming or some code.

[canis]

Reminds me of one of my father's stories. According to the story, he staggered out of The Wheatsheaf and got into his car, Mk1 Cortina, and drove home. The next morning he discovered he'd taken an identical car but it wasn't his! Apparently there were only nine key combinations, or something. Certainly I was able to drive either of my Cortinas (Mk3 & 4) using either key, just needed a bit of a wiggle.

[id5]

Originally Posted by oragex

Then this is a mess. Basically with the right device all cars are now just open doors and running engines. A child's game to steal, even compared with the old key system. They don't even need to steal the programming or some code.

Yes, it is easy with keyless. It does not matter even if the data sent and received is encrypted because the criminals bag doesn't change the signal or what is in it, it just makes it 'sound' stronger in both directions.

[id5]

Originally Posted by xsaab

Re contactless credit cards, you can buy a card that emits a signal that blocks the harvesting of credit cards - so far it appears to be effective even when it is a foot or so from the contactless reader and prevents a contactless payment.

You can also just tell you bank that you do not want a contactless card.

[AngryScot]

Originally Posted by canis

Reminds me of one of my father's stories. According to the story, he staggered out of The Wheatsheaf and got into his car, Mk1 Cortina, and drove home. The next morning he discovered he'd taken an identical car but it wasn't his! Apparently there were only nine key combinations, or something. Certainly I was able to drive either of my Cortinas (Mk3 & 4) using either key, just needed a bit of a wiggle.

I had a MkII Golf and a friend of mine who also had a MkII Golf could open and start my car with his key, although I couldn't do it the other way around which I always thought was odd!

[Dirty Rooster]

Originally Posted by IainG

Hi
I did see one article saying it would be wise to keep your keys in the fridge as the metal casing shields the signal.

I'll start selling little LEAD tins with a lid for all you modern folk ...

[Simon Jones]

Ok, so the crims can steal your car if it's within range of the key in the house using their 'magic' bag, but once they've got it to their secret lair they're going to be stuffed once they switch the ignition off.

[GrahamHR]

Originally Posted by Simon Jones

Ok, so the crims can steal your car if it's within range of the key in the house using their 'magic' bag, but once they've got it to their secret lair they're going to be stuffed once they switch the ignition off.

Little consolation to the owner when their new expensive car is broken up for parts.

My wife's 2012 Mazda 3 has a keyless system. When we first got it, I assumed that once out of the range of the key, the engine would stop, that seemed logical to me. Still seems logical to me. A surprise when it didn't work that way. An even bigger surprise that 5 years on new cars with such a system ( including my 2016 registered V60 Polestar) still have that basic flaw.

[oragex]

Dad got his Q5 with 20k miles stolen from the driveway. Ok, dumb Audi puts a 'mechanics' key in the glove box so they only had to break a glass and drive the car, but these guys know what they are doing. I actually saw the thief the day before, two punk with an old Integra smiling at me when I was near the car. I read they will park the car on some street for a few days to see if the car has a gps tracker, if not they bring it in and put it in pieces. Some guy is having now fun with the 2.0t in his Vw perhaps.

[dingov70]

Simplest & cheapest solution is a metal cash box , put fobs & keys Etc inside & lock . Even if they get into the house they cannot read or steal the keys .

Radio technician gave me that one & to be doubly sure attach an earth strap from the box ( bare metal ) to a copper pipe or the houses own earthing system using an anti static discharge plug to connect them . He even goes out with credit/ debit cards in an anti static bag to reduce the possibilities of being scanned without knowing about it .
This man deals with very sophisticated radio equipment & should know about defeating scammers