Keyless entry flaws fuel rise in UK car thefts

The latest figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reflects a recent Home Office release which showed an increase in vehicle thefts in the UK of 50 percent in five years. Compared to 2017, there was a rise of 12 percent in the number vehicle theft claims in 2018, resulting in a 29 percent jump in the amount paid out by insurers.

The total cost of £376 million equates to more than £1 million per day. Commenting on the figures, the ABI said that: "The record amounts paid to motorists by their insurers in part reflects the vulnerability of some cars to keyless relay theft. Action by motor manufacturers to tackle this high-tech vulnerability, allied with owners taking some simple, inexpensive precautions will help reverse this unwelcome trend."