Gone are the days when hotwiring a car was the main threat. Today, motor theft is incredibly technology-driven.
Ding Khan Jackson (also known as Jing), the founder of the security company Centurywise, recently shared some eye-opening insights with Yahoo News. She pointed out that most Aussies are completely unaware of how exposed their vehicles and homes really are.
“A lot of people assume keys are safe simply because they’re inside the house,” she explained. “But criminals are now using relay devices and key cloning technology to steal signals remotely.”
This means that a thief can stand outside your front door with a relay box, pick up the signal from your car keys sitting inside the hallway, and bounce that signal to a partner standing next to your car. Just like that, your car unlocks and starts—without them ever needing to break into your house.
The Rising Cost of Car Theft
These high-tech heists are costing Australians a fortune.
According to Insurance Statistics Australia, the financial hit is staggering. In the 12 months leading up to June 2025, motor theft claims increased by 11%. That adds up to approximately 30,000 claims worth a massive $466 million.
It’s not just about losing a car; it’s the massive inconvenience, the spike in insurance premiums, and the loss of personal security that hits the hardest.
Simple Ways to Outsmart the Thieves
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech genius to stop these tech-savvy criminals. Ding encourages all vehicle owners to invest in a few simple, extra layers of protection:
- Faraday Products: These are specially lined pouches or boxes for your keys. When your keys are inside, the Faraday material completely blocks the signal, meaning thieves can’t scan or clone it from outside your home.
- Steering Wheel Locks: Sometimes the best defense is an old-school one. A heavy-duty, brightly colored steering wheel lock acts as a massive visual deterrent. Even if a thief manages to start your car remotely, they aren’t going anywhere if they can’t turn the wheel.
- OBD Locks: Modern cars have an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port that mechanics use to service the car. However, thieves can also plug into it to program a blank key. An OBD lock physically blocks this port, stopping thieves from creating a cloned key for your ride.
