Keyless car theft devices banned in new law
Five-year prison sentences have been introduced for possessing electronic devices, such as ‘signal jammers’ that are responsible for keyless car theft...
A new law has made devices used in keyless car thefts illegal and granted police additional powers to enter premises and seize stolen cars without a warrant.
The Crime and Policing Bill received Royal Assent yesterday (29 April), becoming an official Act of Parliament. The new law has made it a criminal offence to possess, import, manufacture or sell electronic devices that could be used to steal a vehicle, such as relay attack tools and key emulation devices. Until now, it was not illegal to be in possession of these items – only the use of them was. An offender found guilty of any of these acts faces up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
Tens of thousands of keyless cars are stolen in the UK each year using small handheld electronic devices that either block or grab and replicate the signals emitted by keyless fobs. To make it harder for the police to identify the devices, they are often disguised as legitimate small electrical items, such as bluetooth speakers or children’s electronic toys.
According to the Home Office, "a significant proportion of vehicle theft is driven by organised crime groups, which costs hundreds of millions of pounds in social and economic harm each year.
"Organised criminals find ways to overcome security measures, even in the latest vehicle models, by exploiting vulnerabilities in vehicles and new technologies."
These groups often operate in larger urban areas, such as Greater London and the West Midlands, which are the UK's car theft hot-spots.
The Government acknowledged that there are some legitimate uses for signal devices, such as to boost mobile phone signal, but those who don't intend to commit crime with these devices must be able to prove it.
Edmund King, AA president, said; "Strengthening the penalties for thieves caught carrying signal jammers is an important measure which is widely supported. Too many cars are stolen to order and literally ‘gone in 60 seconds’ by crooks using signal jammers.
"While 'smash and grab' car crime has declined, those using modern techniques has increased, so it is right that the law keeps pace. It could also help bring down insurance premiums as every claim for a stolen vehicle adds pounds to everyone's premiums."
Richard Billyeald, Chief Research and Operations Officer at Thatcham Research also welcomed the Bill: "The casual theft and joyriding of the 1980s and 1990s has all but disappeared, with manufacturers having succeeded in making it very difficult for amateurs to steal modern vehicles.
"However, the organised criminal gangs who have replaced them are well-funded and sophisticated in their approach, combining specialist electronic equipment with an international logistics network. Raising vehicle security alone will not prevent thefts and these gangs will adapt their techniques, and we need to be ready for that."
However, Billyeald argued more still needs to be done to tackle the root causes of vehicle theft: "Building on this, a broader, joined‑up approach is needed – one that disrupts organised criminal networks, reduces the market for stolen parts, supports vehicle manufacturers who are frequently targeted, and harnesses connected vehicle technology to devalue stolen assets and deter theft.
"Working collaboratively with carmakers to explore how this technology – including the safe and responsible use of remote vehicle inhibition – can reduce the incentive to steal vehicles and make them less attractive to criminals."
Around 80% of brand new cars have ‘sleeping keyfobs’ or other technology that prevents these devices from being used to gain entry to a car. Land Rover is among a number of car makers to have introduced ultra-wideband technology to its keyfobs to make them more secure. However, many older cars aged more than three years old are still vulnerable to this type of theft. But owners of all cars should consider a good quality steering lock.
In fact, the latest data from the DVLA on car thefts in 2025 reveals that 66% of the 54,830 cars stolen in the last year were aged between three and 12 years old.
The new law also creates new powers for police to enter and search premises without a warrant where they have tracked stolen goods, including mobile phones and cars, using geolocation. Previously, the police were required to apply for warrant to do so. The new law, however, states the police must have reason to believe the goods are stolen and on the premises, and they must obtain permission from a high-ranking officer. The Home Office says this is intended to "facilitate the swift seizure of stolen property and help the police provide a better service to victims of this crime".
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