How far away can thieves scan car keys?

How Far Can Thieves Scan Your Car Key? Closer Than You Think

It might sound like something out of a spy movie, but car theft through electronic signal relay is now a real-world threat. Modern key fobs use wireless signals to communicate with your vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and push-button starts. Unfortunately, this convenience comes with a risk: thieves can exploit these signals from just a few metres away.

Even inside your home, your key fob isn’t completely safe. Criminals equipped with relay devices can stand near your front door, window, or garage and capture the signal emitted by your key—even if it’s sitting on a table or in a drawer. Once intercepted, the signal is transmitted to a second device near your car, tricking it into thinking the key is present. In seconds, the thief can unlock the doors and drive away.

This method, known as a “relay attack,” doesn’t require breaking in or hotwiring. It simply takes advantage of the key fob’s constant low-power signal. The scary part? The whole process can happen in less than a minute, often without triggering any alarms.

While manufacturers are improving security with rolling codes and updated software, the threat remains. The good news is that simple precautions can go a long way. Storing your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch or a metal container when not in use can significantly reduce your risk. You can even test your pouch at home—try unlocking your car with the key inside the container; if it doesn’t work, the blocker is doing its job.

As technology evolves, so do criminal tactics. But awareness and small changes in routine can keep your car where it belongs—parked safely, and in your control.