Call for urgent government action as keyless thefts soar
Wed, 03 Dec 2025
After the BBC recently highlighted keyless car theft devices are being sold online for £20,000, stolen vehicle recovery firm Tracker is calling for urgent government action.
Its own figures show more than £35m worth of vehicles were recovered between January and October this year – that’s a 15-year high.
Even more alarmingly, 93% of those vehicles were taken without the keys.
The electronic devices that are in such high demand overcome keyless entry systems using a technique known as a relay attack.
The gadgets allow the signal from the owner’s key fob to be intercepted and relayed to the vehicle, ‘tricking’ it into believing the key is nearby.
In an encouraging move, the Home Office earlier this year announced it was planning new legislation, under which the possession, supply or manufacturer of such devices would be criminalised. Offenders would face up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine.
However, a date has yet to be announced for the introduction of the legislation.
"Devices used to conduct relay attacks and steal keyless vehicles are readily available online," says Tracker MD Mark Rose. "Although the price is high, organised crime groups know the profit potential makes the upfront cost worthwhile."
Rose explains that previously, prosecution for handling these devices was only possible if it could be proved by police that they had been used to commit a specific crime.
Under the new laws, anyone found in possession of one – or to have imported, made, adapted or distributed them – will bear the consequences.
"Without meaningful action in the shape of robust legislation, such thefts will continue to rise unchecked… the time for action is now."
