Drivers who have one type of car are being warned their motor could be stolen in a "matter of seconds". Keyless cars are at the centre of an epidemic, with road users and motorists urged to take note and protect themselves.
Mike Thompson from motoring experts at Leasing Options, warned cars may be stolen in a “matter of seconds" as the advancement of technology sees keyless motors become more and more prevalent on UK roads.
In a warning for UK motorists and drivers, Mr Thompson said: “When criminals are trying to steal a keyless van, they use sophisticated technology, which involves manipulating short-range radio waves, to transmit a signal from your key to the technology in your car.
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“This can be done in a matter of seconds and means criminals can open your car door as normal, allowing them to enter and start the vehicle as normal.
"It is worth noting that sometimes this can fail, if there is no signal or if it is blocked for whatever reason, criminals can find a hard time entering.
“Depending on the car make and model, the car might also require a physical key to be inserted into the ignition to start it.”
Mike went on and also added: “As technology has continued to evolve in vehicles, keyless theft is now one of the biggest risks to car owners.
“Despite this there are practical steps drivers can take to reduce their risk. While the idea of keyless van theft might find scary, very few people in the country do have their cars stolen and the police are taking more precautions to prevent it.”
The warning comes after motorists were told more than a decade ago that keyless technology on modern vehicles risked a surge in vehicle thefts.
Motoring lawyer Nick Freeman said: “The motoring industry has been negligent because they were warned when this new technology was beginning to emerge. It’s a catastrophic situation where people cannot insure their cars or face ridiculously high premiums.”
Stephen Mason, a barrister specialising in electronic evidence and communication interception, in Computer Law and Security Review, said: “There has been insouciance and ignorance by the motoring industry, not wanting to pay the price for proper security.
"We now have modern cars with the latest technology and the owners have to put on old-fashioned steering locks to protect them from being stolen.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Car makers continuously introduce new technology to stay one step ahead of criminals. This investment has helped drive down vehicle theft dramatically over the past 30 years.
“While manufacturers continue to enhance security systems, technological innovation alone cannot prevent all theft. That’s why the sector is working closely with the police, insurance industry and other security stakeholders.”