What You Need to Know About Key Jammers
Key jamming crime is on the increase. Deputy Chief Constable Matt Jukes, from the National Police Chiefs' Council, recently said, "The Vehicle Crime Intelligence Unit is working closely and extensively with a number of partners, including the Home Office and motor manufacturers, on solutions to prevent this crime now and in the future."
It is, however, important that vehicle owners remain vigilant and understand what they are up against when it comes to car theft and car crimes.
What is key jamming?
Key jamming is a type of car theft where criminals use a device to block the signal from the owner's key fob, allowing them to steal the car without setting off the alarm.
Key jamming works by positioning a jamming device near the targeted car, which then sends a signal that interferes with the communication between the key fob and the car's immobilizer system. When you press the button to lock your car, the jammer blocks the signal and the car’s doors do not lock.
The jamming device temporarily disables the immobilizer, making it possible for the thief to easily enter the car once you’ve vacated the area. They are then able to search and steal any valuable items that are inside the car, or possibly even start the engine and drive off unnoticed.
Unfortunately, key jamming has become increasingly common in recent years due to the widespread use of keyless entry systems and electronic key fobs, meaning car owners of more modern vehicles are more at risk of theft.
This blog highlights the importance of being aware of key jamming and offers some helpful tips and advice on how to better secure your car against criminals.
How to prevent key jamming?
Key jammers are very easy to buy on the internet and some are able to work from a distance of 75 metres – potentially, it could affect a whole car park!
To prevent key jamming in large cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, there are a few tips and tricks that you can follow:
- Keep the key fob away from other electronic devices, as they can interfere with its signal.
- Use a Faraday bag or signal-blocking pouch to protect the key fob when it is not in use.
- Manually check your car doors are locked and the fob has worked before leavingon the street or in a car park.
- Avoid leaving your key fob in the car, as this makes it more vulnerable to theft.
- Be aware of your surroundings when locking your vehicle and look out for any suspicious individuals or devices near the car.
- Consider installing an anti-jamming device, such as a signal amplifier, which can help to strengthen the signal from the key fob and prevent it from being jammed.
- Report any instances of key jamming to the police, as this can help to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Additionally, some newer vehicles have built-in security features to detect and prevent key jamming attacks, helping car owners keep their vehicles protected as key jamming becomes more of a threat
The importance of car security
Taking steps to practice good car security will lessen your chances of having your car broken into from key jamming or from other types of car theft.
Since jammers work so effectively, it is important to ensure that your car’s central locking system is working properly and consistently. If it shows any signs of not functioning as it should, you should have it looked at as soon as possible because it may have been tampered with or disabled. Always have the system reprogrammed immediately if you lose your keys and have replacements made.
Other good practices to follow to protect against car theft are:
- Always lock doors and windows when leaving the car, even for short periods of time.
- Use anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks, alarms, or immobilizers, to deter potential thieves.
- Park in well-lit and secure areas, and avoid parking in isolated or poorly monitored locations.
- Do not leave valuable items, such as electronics or personal belongings, in plain view inside the car.
- Consider installing a GPS tracker or other tracking device to help recover the car if it is stolen.
- Be mindful of who has access to the car, such as family members or valets, and make sure to keep the keys secure.
- Do not leave the car running while unattended, even for short periods of time.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings when approaching and leaving the car, especially at night or in unfamiliar locations.
By following the above steps, you give yourself the best possible protection against criminals and car theft as a whole.
Get in touch for car key replacement and advice
If you feel your car has been compromised and you need to replace your current car keys or reset your car locks, the experienced and friendly team at Cheap Car Keys is here to help.
We offer a mobile locksmith service that allows us to come to you, wherever you might be in the country. We can make sure your car keys and car fobs are working as they should be and ensure your car is locking properly and not being affected by a key jamming device.
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