Thieves are harnessing sophisticated technology to hack into your car’s OBD, meaning they don’t even need a key-fob to start the vehicle and can drive it away in a matter of minutes.

Thieves are harnessing sophisticated technology to hack into your car’s OBD, meaning they don’t even need a key-fob to start the vehicle and can drive it away in a matter of minutes.

In fact, 96% of motorists are at risk of having their vehicle stolen by criminals using the latest theft technique - known as a relay attack. 

How does a relay attack work?

A relay attack usually involves two people working together. One stands by the targeted vehicle, while the other stands near the house with a device that can pick up a signal from the key fob. What’s more, some devices can pick up a signal from over 100 metres away.

The device then relays the key fob’s signal directly to the vehicle, allowing the thieves to get in and drive away immediately. According to the Daily Mail, these hacking devices can be bought for as little as £100 by thieves online.

Recovery figures from Tracker found that 82% of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) were stolen without the owner’s keys last year – almost a 100% increase compared to 2016.

The Ford Transit was the most regularly stolen van, and it isn’t just the vehicle that costs businesses – replacing tools, losing business and rising insurance and administration costs all play a part if you have your van stolen.

How do you avoid this happening to you?

The OBD Port Protector from VCL is an innovative hardware solution which permanently integrates into the vehicle without the need to cut into the wiring and designed specifically to protect a vehicles OBD port.

It works by stopping the information travelling to the OBD port and therefore prevents a thief from accessing it, effectively closing the OBD port whilst the Protector is armed.

It provides the owner with the authorisation as to whom gets access to the vehicles information with ‘OBD Port Authorisation Cards’.

These cards are required to temporarily switch it off and allows full access to the vehicle. It does not prevent any regular servicing/maintenance or other work being carried out on the vehicle providing the owner authorises such work by presenting their card.

Electronic theft of vehicles is on the increase & can now take less than a minute to steal a vehicle by plugging into the OBD port. Protect your vehicle with our Thatcham Rated OBD Port Protector, prices start from as little as £299.00 + VAT supplied & fitted.

Please contact us on 01613436401/07932682236 or email us on salesadmin@vclonline.com to find out more.