Today’s car thieves are not just opportunists; they are increasingly using advanced technology and techniques to steal vehicles.
With methods like relay theft, where car thieves use devices to capture signals from your key fob or even gain access to your home to steal car keys, no vehicle is entirely safe without proper precautions. In domestic break-in scenarios, high-end and exotic vehicles can be the target due to their value and desirability. Even in daytime parking lot interactions with drivers, criminals can use electronic devices to capture or amplify key fob signals. In a brief interaction, criminals may distract drivers through conversation, exploiting their close proximity to drivers, the vehicles, and their key fobs. Later, vehicles may alert drivers that their keys are missing, an early indication of signal tampering.
According to Interpol, many of Canada’s stolen vehicles are shipped to the Middle East and West Africa, where they are then traded or re-sold. Once stolen and placed into a shipping container, it's very difficult for vehicles to be tracked and recovered.
Learn about Canada’s most (and least) stolen vehicles here.
Four tips for securing your home to prevent car theft
To effectively protect your vehicle from being stolen right from your home, start by strengthening your home’s security. By addressing key entry points and utilizing advanced technology, you can create multiple layers of defense against car thieves.
Here are some practical measures you can implement to enhance your home’s security and reduce the risk of vehicle theft.
1. Avoid keeping car keys in visible spots
It may be second nature to drop your keys on the kitchen countertop or hallway console. However, it’s also an obvious place for thieves and they may be able to spot keys from a door or window. Instead, store your car keys in a secure location, ideally away from the entry points of your home. This simple step can prevent thieves from easily finding and using your keys to access your vehicle.
2. Reinforce entry points
Ensure that all doors and windows are locked and reinforced, making it difficult for thieves to gain access. Pay special attention to your garage door, as it’s a common entry point for car thieves. Consider adding an additional manual lock to your garage door opener or disabling remote openers at night.
3. Install a home security system
Investing in a robust home security system can significantly deter theft. Surveillance cameras covering your driveway, garage and home entry points serve as a visible deterrent. Additionally, a comprehensive alarm system with sensors on your garage door and other entry points will alert you to any unauthorized attempts to access your home.
4. Smart home technology
Smart home technology is another layer of protection against car theft. Smart locks, paired with mobile alerts, allow you to secure your home remotely and receive notifications of suspicious activity. Motion sensors and smart lighting around your driveway and garage can further deter theft by illuminating dark areas and making it harder for thieves to operate unnoticed.
Protecting your vehicle from driveway and parking lot theft
To effectively protect your vehicle from being stolen while parked in your driveway, it’s ideal to keep it out of sight from potential thieves. This is especially important for luxury or exotic vehicles, which can be particularly tempting targets.
However, if park your vehicle in public lots or your only option is parking on your driveway, street or condo car park, there are some strategies that will make your vehicle less accessible and less appealing to thieves.
Here are some effective ways to safeguard your vehicle when it's parked outside.
Use anti-theft devices
A steering wheel lock is a simple yet effective anti-theft device. It acts as a visible deterrent to thieves, signaling that your vehicle is not an easy target. While it may seem like an old-school solution, it remains one of the most reliable ways to prevent car theft. Newer anti-theft devices to consider include after-market engine immobilizers which require two-factor authentication.
Invest in a tracking device
Installing a GPS tracking system in your vehicle increases the chances of recovery if your car is stolen. Tracking devices can be hidden in various parts of your car, making it difficult for thieves to locate and disable them. Many modern tracking systems also offer real-time monitoring services, giving you peace of mind.
Disable keyless entry systems
Keyless entry systems, while convenient, are a common target for relay theft. To prevent this, store your key fob in a Faraday pouch, which blocks the signal and prevents thieves from capturing it. Additionally, you can disable your keyless entry system or manually lock your car doors to add an extra layer of security.
Park strategically
Whenever possible, park your vehicle inside a locked garage, rather than on the driveway. If parking in the driveway is your only option, consider using barriers or other vehicles to block in high-value cars.
If parking in a parking lot, park in well-lit and high-traffic areas, as thieves are less likely to target vehicles in brightly illuminated spaces and ensure to lock your vehicle as soon as you exit.
Protect Your Key Fobs
Place key fobs in RFID-blocking or Faraday pouches to stop signals from being intercepted. Keep them with you at all times, and don’t leave them in shopping carts, bags, or other visible locations.
Avoid Suspicious Interactions
Stay alert to unexpected interactions near your vehicle, such as persistent or unusual requests for help, offers of gifts or rewards, or situations that encourage you to remain by your vehicle or move closer to another car. If an interaction feels suspicious, disengage and move to a safer location. Lastly, report suspicious activity to your local police department.
