This is an increasingly common theft technique that requires caution. In the United States, local police stations are increasing alerts about rising car thefts by amplifying the signal from keyless ignition and engine locking systems.

The concept is terrifying. Imagine that every night you leave your car's “contactless” key in a compartment located at the entrance of your house and that your vehicle is parked about ten meters away. Normally, there is no risk. Except that car thieves have developed a technique to strongly amplify the ignition signal emitted by this type of key. As a result, by placing a device the size of a computer bag near the front door, they managed to open and start a car parked nearby.

A Faraday bag for protection

“If you have a vehicle with a contactless key, we encourage you to consider implementing new security measures, such as using a 'Faraday' bag to store your keys”, indicates the West Midlands Police on their social networks. And the United States is not the only one concerned, since these types of thefts are also emerging in European territory, such as in Merseyside, in England, where the police have also noted a sharp increase in car thefts without breaking and entering with this type of security. . signal amplification systems. In the UK, Ford models would be the main target.