Electric Cars
17th December 2025
Keeping your EV safe from thieves
With more drivers making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), car theft techniques are evolving just as fast as the technology found in our cars. However, there are plenty of straightforward ways to keep your car secure. Here’s what you need to know:
Car theft is changing
Between March 2023 and March 2024, more than 129,000 vehicles were stolen in the UK (ONS). Keyless technology, while convenient, has opened new doors for criminals. Thieves no longer need to risk smashing a window — they can intercept or relay the signal from your key fob to unlock and start the car in as little as 30 seconds.
EVs, like high-end petrol cars, are targets for criminals due to their high-tech features and smart entry systems.
1: Keep your keys safe
Where you leave your car keys can make all the difference. Keeping them on a hallway table near your front door might be convenient, but it’s exactly what thieves are hoping for. With a simple relay device, a criminal standing outside can pick up the signal and drive away before you’ve noticed anything.
Try to keep your keys away from doors and windows, ideally in the middle of the house. Some thieves even use fishing rods to grab keys left in bowls by the door — so the further away, the better.
2: Use a Faraday pouch
If you don’t have a good hiding spot, a signal-blocking pouch (also called a Faraday bag) is a simple fix. These small pouches have a metallic lining that blocks your key’s signal — a bit like when your phone loses reception in a lift. They cost just a few pounds and are one of the most effective defences against relay theft.
3: Add visible deterrents
Thieves are often opportunists. If your car looks harder to steal, they’ll usually move on. Consider fitting a steering wheel lock or pedal lock — they’re inexpensive, easy to use, and send a clear message. Some drivers even have their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into the windows to make it harder for thieves to disguise the car later.
4: Park smart and stay alert
Finally, don’t overlook the basics. Park in well-lit areas, preferably close to buildings or other cars. Avoid leaving valuables on display and take devices like phones and laptops inside the house with you — some thieves use scanners to detect them.
The bottom line
Your salary sacrifice car is an important part of your daily life — and with a few simple steps, you can protect it from modern thieves. A mix of good habits, affordable gadgets and up-to-date tech goes a long way.
FAQs
- What is a Faraday pouch?
- A Faraday pouch is a small, signal-blocking bag lined with metallic material. When you put your car key inside, it stops the signal from being detected or copied — a bit like your phone losing signal in a lift. They’re inexpensive and very effective.
- What is relay theft?
- Relay theft involves two thieves working together with special devices. One stands near your house to pick up the signal from your key fob while the other waits by your car. The signal is “relayed” between their devices, tricking your car into thinking the key is right next to it. The thieves can then unlock and start the car, often driving away in under a minute. This type of theft is becoming increasingly common in the UK, especially with keyless cars.
- Are keyless cars more at risk?
- Keyless entry systems are convenient, but they can be vulnerable to relay attacks, where thieves intercept the key’s signal to unlock and start the car. Simple measures like using a Faraday pouch and keeping keys away from doors can make a big difference.
- Do electric cars get stolen more often?
- All valuable cars are targets for criminals, regardless of their powertrain. Thieves look for easy opportunities, so good security habits and visible deterrents will help keep your EV safe.
- What’s the quickest way to make my car more secure?
- If you only do one thing, use a Faraday pouch for your key fob. Pair it with locking your car properly and parking in well-lit areas, and you’ve already reduced your risk significantly.