Motorists have been urged to wrap their car keys in tin foil. Criminals have been targeting vehicles by exploiting wireless technology used in their keys, prompting owners to take additional precautions to protect their possessions. Known as "relay" theft, would-be thieves don't need to get their hands on your key or even break into your home to unlock and start your car; they simply use radio devices.
Key fobs interact with your vehicle's receiver through radio frequency signals, but the convenience of contactless use has inadvertently created a security weakness for skilled thieves. And it comes as DVLA statistics identified the vehicles most commonly targeted by criminals.
Top of the list was the Ford Fiesta, with 3,511 reported stolen in 2025, followed by the Volkswagen Golf (1,625) and the Ford Focus (1,474), with 54,830 vehicles reported stolen in 2025.
A "relay attack" typically uses signal-boosting equipment that can extend the fob's range, a method that involves a thief positioned near your front door, whilst an accomplice stands close to your vehicle.
It amplifies the signal over the distance, tricking the vehicle into recognising the key as being nearby, thereby allowing it to be unlocked and started. Fortunately, there is a way to counter this.
A so-called "Faraday cage", a term derived from the 19th-century scientist Michael Faraday, can shield your car key from electromagnetic radiation and halt thieves in their tracks.
And, whilst you can buy specialised Faraday pouches, you can safeguard your keys straight away by wrapping them in tin foil, a method ex- FBI agent Holly Hubert described as the "most inexpensive way".
Speaking to the Detroit Free Press in 2018, Holly said: "Although it's not ideal, it is the most inexpensive way. The cyber threat is so dynamic and ever changing, it's hard for consumers to keep up."
Similar to signal-blocking pouches, tin foil stops electromagnetic signals from being transmitted. However, this form of crime continues to impact numerous victims, despite overall vehicle thefts having fallen by 11 percent.
Claire Evans, consumer editor at What Car?, said: "Annual car theft figures continue to be very high, so owners need to do all they can to keep them safe.
"Our data shows that small, inexpensive models such as the Nissan Juke and Vauxhall Corsa are under threat, so it's vital to take measures to protect all cars.
"Simple measures, like using a steering lock or keeping your car keys in a Faraday pouch, will lessen the chances of it being stolen."
Criminals can exploit the vulnerability by using lrelatively low-cost, readily available items such as relay boxes. Another tactic is known as a "CAN bus attack", a technique that involves plugging equipment directly into the vehicle's wiring.
By utilising fake messages, this technique confuses the vehicle's system and allows criminals to bypass the immobiliser, according to the BBC, which also highlighted that such devices can be disguised to look like portable Bluetooth speakers.
Speaking to the BBC's Calum Watson, former Met police officer Vince Wise said: "Back in the 80s or 90s, it was very easy to get into a vehicle, steal it and take it away. It was probably cheaper than getting a taxi at the time."
He added: "Now, because of the value of vehicles going up and the demand for parts, it's very easy to move these around and make big profits."
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Wrapping car keys in tin foil blocks radio signals that thieves use to steal vehicles remotely.
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Over 54,000 vehicles were stolen in 2025, with Ford Fiesta being the most targeted model.
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Criminals can buy relay attack equipment cheaply and steal cars without breaking into homes.