Keyless car theft might sound like something out of a cyberpunk thriller, but it’s a growing problem for automotive dealerships and car owners. Modern vehicles equipped with keyless entry were designed to make life easier for drivers. Unfortunately, they’ve also created new opportunities for thieves.

In 2023 alone, over one million vehicles were stolen in the U.S., marking an increase from the previous year. Luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Tesla are prime targets. Let’s break down how this happens and, more importantly, how you can protect your inventory.

The Trouble with Keyless Cars

Keyless cars use transponder chips in the fob. These chips talk to the car to lock and unlock doors as well as starting the engine. But with the right tools, thieves can intercept and exploit these signals. Here are some of the most common methods:

1. Key Cloning: Using a transponder device, thieves can capture the fob’s signal and use it to unlock and start the car.
2. Relay Theft: This involves two criminals working in tandem. One stands by the car with a transmitter, while the other captures the fob’s signal from inside the owner’s home or dealership.
3. Signal Jamming: Devices that emit radio waves can block the communication between the fob and the car, leaving the vehicle unlocked.
4. OBD Port Hacking: Thieves access the car’s onboard diagnostic port to reprogram a blank key fob and start the engine.

According to David J. Glaw, President and CEO of NICB, “From keyless entry hacks to relay attacks on key fobs, perpetrators are exploiting vulnerabilities in modern vehicle security measures with an alarming success rate”. For dealerships managing large inventories, these methods pose a significant risk.

Protecting Your Dealership from Keyless Car Theft

Preventing theft at your dealership requires a layered strategy. The goal? Make your lot as unappealing as possible to potential criminals. Here’s how:

1. Lighting and Surveillance
   • Keep your lot well-lit, especially in secondary storage areas. Combine bright lighting with 24/7 video surveillance monitored by security operation centers. Modern systems with AI capabilities can detect unusual activity and send instant alerts.
2. Key Management
   • Store all keys in a locked cabinet or safe. Avoid using lockboxes on vehicles, as these are easily targeted. Implement an inventory management system to track who has access to keys and when.
3. Physical Barriers
   • Secure your lot with fencing and lockable gates. After hours, block entrances with large vehicles or heavy-duty barriers to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Vehicle Security Features
   • Install immobilizers, wheel locks, and GPS tracking devices on high-value vehicles. These measures can deter theft and assist in recovery if a vehicle is stolen.
5. Staff Training and Protocols
   • Educate employees on theft techniques and the importance of strict security measures. Develop and enforce protocols for signing out keys and handling vehicles. Regular audits can help identify vulnerabilities.
6. Advanced Technology
   • Consider integrating audio and visual deterrents with your surveillance system. Mobile, solar-powered cameras can add flexibility by covering different areas of your lot as needed.

How 24/7 Surveillance Can Give you an Edge

EyeQ Monitoring offers advanced security solutions tailored to the needs of automotive dealerships. Our systems combine cutting-edge technology with expert human oversight to provide unmatched protection. Here’s what sets EyeQ apart:

• Faster Response Times: Threats are addressed in under 60 seconds, reducing potential damage.
• Cost Savings: Dealerships report up to $96,000 in annual labor savings and $100,000 in damage prevention.
• Proactive Monitoring: AI-driven analytics detect and deter suspicious activity before it escalates.
• Comprehensive Integration: Our systems work seamlessly with your existing infrastructure.

A Partnership That Keeps Serving You

It’s not just our technology that sets us a part it’s our service to you:

• 15-Minute Service Response
• 48-Hour On-Site Service
• Hassle-Free Installation
• Comprehensive Training

One client shared, “With EyeQ, the difference is night and day. Our customers feel safer, and our team has peace of mind knowing we’re protected.”