Are Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester?

Are Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester? 10 Ways to Protect Your Vehicle in 2026

Keyless technology has transformed modern driving. With keyless entry and push-button start, drivers can unlock and start their vehicles without removing the key fob from their pocket or bag. However, this convenience can also create security challenges. If you are wondering, “Are Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester?”, the answer is that some keyless vehicles can be more vulnerable to certain electronic theft methods, particularly relay attacks.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has repeatedly warned motorists about keyless vehicle theft. In one case, GMP reported that eight Ford Fiestas were stolen using keyless technology over a short period in 2022. Police explained that criminals used relay attacks to make vehicles believe the legitimate key was nearby.

The good news is that keyless technology does not mean your vehicle is destined to be stolen. A combination of sensible habits, physical security and additional vehicle protection can significantly reduce the risk.

Why Are Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester Targeted?

Traditional vehicles generally require a physical key or mechanical action to start the engine. Keyless vehicles use electronic communication between the vehicle and key fob.

When the vehicle detects an authorised key nearby, it may unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. The problem is that criminals can attempt to exploit this communication.

A relay attack uses electronic equipment to relay or amplify communication between the key and vehicle. This can make the vehicle believe that the genuine key is close enough to unlock and start the car.

GMP explains that thieves can potentially capture a keyless fob’s signal even when the key is inside a home.

This means that simply locking your front door does not necessarily eliminate the risk for a keyless vehicle.

Is Manchester a High-Risk Area for Keyless Car Theft?

It would be inaccurate to claim that every keyless vehicle in Manchester is at high risk or that keyless cars are universally more likely to be stolen.

However, Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester is a legitimate security concern because GMP has documented local cases involving keyless theft technology.

In 2022, GMP reported eight Ford Fiesta thefts involving keyless technology in the Bolton area.

GMP also reported in 2023 that bridging devices had been used in Greater Manchester to unlock keyless vehicles. In one example, footage showed a vehicle being unlocked within approximately 15 seconds, followed by the vehicle being driven away shortly afterwards.

More recently, GMP reported the seizure of an electronic relay device during an investigation in Shaw in 2024, describing these devices as tools typically used to steal vehicles equipped with keyless entry.

These examples demonstrate why Manchester motorists with keyless vehicles should take electronic vehicle security seriously.

Manchester Vehicle Crime Is Falling, But Security Still Matters

There is also positive news for motorists.

GMP reported in April 2025 that vehicle-related crime across Greater Manchester had fallen by 27%. During the comparison periods, theft of motor vehicles fell by 26%, theft from vehicles decreased by 28%, and vehicle interference also fell by 28%.

In June 2026, GMP reported another significant improvement in Manchester city-centre car parks. Overall vehicle crime in those car parks fell by 38%, from 1,469 offences in 2024 to 908 in 2025. Theft of vehicles and vehicle interference both fell by 21%.

These reductions are encouraging, but they do not mean individual vehicle owners should become complacent. Criminals continue to use changing techniques, including electronic methods targeting Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester.

How Does a Relay Attack Work?

A typical relay attack involves criminals using electronic equipment to extend the communication range between a vehicle and its key fob.

The process can broadly involve:

1. Criminals identify a vehicle with keyless entry.
2. They locate the approximate position of the key fob.
3. Electronic equipment attempts to capture and relay communication from the key.
4. The vehicle interprets the signal as coming from an authorised key.
5. The vehicle may unlock and allow the engine to start.
6. The criminals attempt to drive the vehicle away.

The important point is that the genuine key does not necessarily have to be physically stolen.

This is why storing your key close to a front door, window or garage can create additional risk.

10 Ways to Protect a Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester

1. Use a Faraday Pouch

A Faraday pouch is designed to block radio signals from your key fob.

GMP specifically recommends signal-blocking pouches for keyless vehicle owners.

Keep both your main and spare keys inside the pouch when they are not being used. Test the pouch periodically to make sure it continues to work correctly.

2. Keep Keys Away From Doors and Windows

Don’t leave your keyless car keys on a table beside the front door.

GMP recommends keeping keys away from the vehicle and away from easily accessible areas such as doors and windows.

A more secure location inside your home can make it harder for criminals attempting to exploit the key’s signal.

3. Use a Steering Wheel Lock

Electronic security should not be your only defence.

A visible steering wheel lock creates a physical barrier and can act as a strong deterrent. GMP has recommended steering locks for keyless vehicle owners as an additional security measure.

4. Consider an Additional Immobiliser

Factory security systems are important, but an additional immobiliser can provide another layer of protection.

An aftermarket immobiliser may require an additional authentication step before the vehicle can be driven. This can help protect the vehicle even if criminals manage to bypass the factory keyless system.

5. Consider a Vehicle Tracker

A tracker can improve the chances of locating a vehicle if it is stolen.

GMP recommends considering additional security measures such as tracking devices alongside other precautions.

For higher-value vehicles, combining an immobiliser with an approved tracking system can create a stronger security strategy.

6. Park in a Secure Location

Where possible, park your vehicle in a garage or a well-lit location.

GMP recommends avoiding dark and secluded parking areas and suggests using illuminated or staffed car parks where possible.

At home, CCTV, security lighting, driveway gates and other physical deterrents can also make your property less attractive to opportunistic criminals.

7. Always Check That Your Car Is Locked

Never assume that your vehicle locked simply because you pressed the button.

Electronic devices can interfere with locking signals. GMP advises drivers to manually check that their vehicle has actually locked before walking away.

8. Protect Your Spare Key

Your spare key can create the same security risk as your main key.

Keep it securely stored and, where appropriate, inside a signal-blocking pouch. Don’t leave spare keys near external doors, windows or other easily accessible areas.

9. Secure the Diagnostic Port

Some modern vehicles have diagnostic ports that can potentially be exploited by criminals.

GMP recommends considering a lockable cover for vehicles equipped with this type of diagnostic port.

10. Use Layered Vehicle Security

The strongest approach is usually not one security product but several complementary measures.

For example, a keyless vehicle could be protected using:

Faraday pouch + steering lock + additional immobiliser + tracker + secure parking + CCTV.

This creates multiple barriers and makes the vehicle more difficult and time-consuming to steal.

Are Luxury Cars More Vulnerable?

Some vehicle models attract greater attention from organised vehicle thieves because of their value, demand for parts or resale value.

GMP has previously identified Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles among those heavily targeted in the region and has warned that stolen vehicles may be dismantled for parts or resold elsewhere.

However, the risk varies considerably according to the vehicle model, security system, location, parking arrangements and the methods being used by criminals.

Having a keyless system alone does not automatically make a vehicle an easy target.

What Should Manchester Drivers Do If They Own a Keyless Car?

If you own a keyless vehicle in Manchester, don’t panic. Instead, take a layered approach to security.

Start by moving your keys away from doors and windows and storing them in a tested Faraday pouch. Check that your vehicle locks correctly every time. Add a visible steering lock and consider an additional immobiliser or tracking system if appropriate for your vehicle.

GMP itself recommends additional physical security, including locks and immobilisers, for keyless vehicles.

It is also worth checking whether your vehicle manufacturer provides a software update or an option to disable passive keyless entry when the vehicle is parked.

Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester: Final Verdict

So, are Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester?

Some keyless vehicles can be more exposed to relay attacks than vehicles without passive keyless systems. Greater Manchester Police has documented local cases involving keyless theft and has repeatedly issued advice about relay attacks, Faraday pouches, steering locks and additional security.

At the same time, Manchester’s overall vehicle crime figures have been moving in a positive direction, with GMP reporting substantial reductions across Greater Manchester and Manchester city-centre car parks.

The best solution is therefore not to avoid keyless technology altogether. Instead, protect it properly.

A Faraday pouch, physical steering lock, additional immobiliser, tracker and secure parking can create multiple layers of protection and make your vehicle considerably harder to target.

For Manchester motorists, understanding how keyless theft works is the first step. Taking practical action is the next.

FAQs

Are keyless cars more risk in Manchester? (Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester)

Some keyless vehicles can face increased exposure to relay attacks because criminals can attempt to exploit communication between the key fob and vehicle. GMP has documented keyless vehicle thefts and relay-device use in Greater Manchester.

Can thieves steal a keyless car without the key? (Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester)

Yes. Relay attacks can potentially allow criminals to make a vehicle believe its authorised key is nearby, even when the genuine key remains inside the owner’s home.

Does a Faraday pouch stop keyless car theft? (Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester)

A properly functioning Faraday pouch can block the radio signals from a key fob and reduce the risk of relay attacks. GMP recommends using signal-blocking pouches for keyless vehicles.

Should I use a steering lock on a keyless car? (Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester)

Yes. A steering lock provides an additional physical security layer and can act as a visible deterrent. GMP recommends steering locks as one measure for keyless vehicles.

Is a tracker worth fitting to a keyless vehicle? (Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester)

A tracker can provide an additional recovery and monitoring ldo nayer if a vehicle is stolen. GMP recommends considering tracking devices as part of broader vehicle security.

Are Range Rovers targeted in Greater Manchester? (Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester)

GMP has previously identified Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles among those heavily targeted in the region.

How can I make my keyless car harder to steal? (Keyless Cars More Risk in Manchester)

Use a tested Faraday pouch, keep keys away from doors and windows, check that the vehicle is locked, use a steering lock, consider an additional immobiliser and tracker, and park in a secure, well-lit location.

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