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Vehicle theft is much more of a problem in the UK where the 'Relay Attack' method of theft is at epidemic proportions, although it isn't a prevalent issue in Australia.

Accordingly Thatcham Research has launched security ratings to help UK consumers better understand the theft risk of new cars against a back drop of rising vehicle thefts. The new ratings assess whether measures to specifically address the keyless entry/start vulnerability, have been adopted.

Six of the 11 vehicles launched this year have been given a ‘Poor’ rating as the keyless entry/start system they have as an option has no security measures to prevent theft by criminals using the so-called ‘Relay Attack’ technique. Without this option, the overall security features were classified as ‘Good’.

Richard Billyeald, Chief Technical Officer at Thatcham Research comments: “This initiative focuses on addressing keyless entry/start vulnerability. We’ve seen too many examples of cars being stolen in seconds from driveways. Now, any vehicle that is assessed against the new Thatcham Research Security Rating, and has a vulnerable keyless entry/start system, will automatically not achieve the best rating.

“Security has come a long way since vehicle crime peaked in the early 1990s. But the layers of security added over the years count for nothing when they can be circumvented instantly by criminals using digital devices. The shame is that most of the cars rated ‘Poor’ would have achieved at least a ‘Good’ rating had their keyless entry/start systems not been susceptible to the Relay Attack.”

According to the Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council  (NMVTRV) in Australia there have been very few cases of 'relay attack' thefts. The most common method of stealing cars is stealing the keys. The NMVTRV monitors developments overseas and keeps insurance companies and the police force informed of methods of theft globally.

How they rated
VEHICLE 2019 Model Year SECURITY RATING*
Audi e-tron Superior
Ford Mondeo Poor
Hyundai Nexo Poor
Jaguar XE Superior
Kia ProCeed Poor
Land Rover Evoque Superior
Lexus UX Poor
Mercedes B-Class Superior
Porsche Macan Poor
Suzuki Jimny** Unacceptable
Toyota Corolla Hybrid Poor

*Keyless entry/start system assessed within rating whether available as an option or fitted as standard.

**Suzuki Jimny does not have a keyless entry/start system as standard or an option

Billyeald continues: “We are really pleased to see that the latest Audi e-tron, Jaguar XE, Land Rover Evoque and Mercedes B-Class were all awarded ‘Superior’. These carmakers have made significant strides in addressing keyless entry/start vulnerability, by either switching to a more secure wireless technology or introducing key fobs that go to sleep when idle. This demonstrates that there are solutions and fixes to the problem, which we expect other manufacturers to include on their future models.

“Our guidance for worried drivers is first and foremost to understand if your vehicle has a keyless entry/start system or not, as it is often an optional extra. If it does, check whether there are solutions available with your key fob – can it be turned off overnight or does it go to sleep when not being used?

“Faraday shielding pouches can be effective but test them first to make sure they do block the signal. Many are designed for credit cards so make sure they still close fully with a set of keys inside, to ensure maximum effectiveness.

“Storing all sets of keys, spares included, away from household entry points is also important as it hampers the criminal’s ability to relay the signal.

“And finally, it may in some cases be possible to turn the system off entirely, so it’s worth checking with your dealer.”

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