Irby Car Theft Attempts: Police Warn of Key Signal Relay Devices
Merseyside Police are investigating two attempted car thefts in Irby, Wirral, after suspects were reportedly caught on camera using electronic devices to capture and relay key fob signals. The incidents, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 2, have prompted local officers to issue a warning to residents and urge them to take extra precautions to secure their vehicles.
According to police reports, the first incident took place at around 12:20am on Lester Drive, where Ring doorbell footage captured two males standing next to a vehicle with an electronic device. The suspects remained on the driveway for several minutes before leaving the area at approximately 12:30am. A second incident was reported roughly 20 minutes later on Calne Close, where two suspects were seen attempting to gain entry to a vehicle using a device designed to capture the signal from a car key. The pair were later observed riding away from the area on a bicycle.
Neighbourhood Inspector Sharon Robinson said: "This week we have had two reports of suspects trying to steal cars from victims' driveways using a technical device to try and bounce the car key signal to open or start the car. Our officers are investigating each incident and are advising residents to ensure their cars are locked, nothing is on display and keys are stored away from windows, doors and letterboxes."
How Relay Attacks Work
The technique described by police is known as a relay attack, a method that has become increasingly common among car thieves targeting vehicles with keyless entry and push-button start systems. In a relay attack, two small electronic devices are used: one picks up the signal from the key fob, which may be inside the owner's house, while the other transmits that signal to the vehicle. This tricks the car's computer into believing the key is nearby, allowing the thieves to unlock the doors and start the engine without ever touching the key.
Security experts have demonstrated that relay attacks can be executed in seconds. In a 2018 demonstration by consumer group Which?, a vehicle was stolen in just 18 seconds using relay boxes. The equipment required is relatively cheap and readily available online, making it accessible to criminals with minimal technical expertise.
The Rise of Keyless Car Theft
The Irby incidents are part of a broader trend of rising keyless car thefts across the UK and beyond. Traditional methods such as lock picking and slim jims have largely been replaced by high-tech electronic attacks. Thieves now use devices like the Flipper Zero, a portable multi-tool that can emulate and clone key fobs, as well as signal jammers that block radio signals and prevent cars from locking.
According to a recent report by AOL, keyless car theft is on the rise nationwide, with criminals exploiting vulnerabilities in remote keyless entry systems. Signal jamming, a type of denial-of-service attack, blocks the communication between the key fob and the vehicle, leaving the car unlocked while the owner walks away believing it is secure. Thieves often work in tandem, using relay devices to extend the key's signal range.
Police Advice and Preventive Measures
In response to the Irby incidents, Merseyside Police have issued a series of recommendations to help residents protect their vehicles. Inspector Robinson advised: "If your vehicle has keyless entry or remote start, store your keys in a Faraday pouch to help prevent signal theft or turn off wireless signals on your fobs when they aren't being used."
A Faraday pouch is a small bag lined with metallic material that blocks radio frequency signals, preventing thieves from capturing the key fob's signal. Many modern key fobs also have a sleep mode or idle mode that stops them from broadcasting when not in motion, which can be activated to reduce vulnerability.
Other practical tips include parking in well-lit areas, closing and locking all windows and doors, and never leaving valuables inside the car. Residents are also encouraged to check that their vehicle has actually locked before walking away, looking for signs such as automatically folding wing mirrors. Keys should be kept away from windows, doors, and letterboxes to make it harder for thieves to harvest their signals from outside the home.
For added security, an OBD2 anti-theft lockout tool can prevent illegal connections to the onboard diagnostics port, which is sometimes used by thieves to reprogram new keys or override the locks. However, some newer vehicles are vulnerable to more sophisticated attacks that bypass the OBD2 port entirely, such as hacking the CAN (Controller Area Network) wiring via headlights or taillights.
Reporting Information
Police are continuing their enquiries in the Irby area and have appealed to the public for information. Anyone with details about the incidents can contact Merseyside Police's social media desk on X or Facebook @MerPolCC with reference number 26000897872. Information can also be reported via the force's website or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.
The Broader Battle Between Thieves and Technology
The Irby attempted thefts highlight an ongoing technological arms race between car thieves and manufacturers. As keyless entry systems have become standard on modern vehicles, criminals have developed increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit them. In response, automakers are introducing countermeasures such as ultra-wideband technology, which can accurately measure the distance of a key fob from the vehicle, making relay attacks much harder to execute.
Jaguar Land Rover pioneered the use of ultra-wideband in 2018 and has since rolled out security updates to the Body Control Module in eligible older vehicles. The manufacturer reported in November 2023 that more than 65,000 vehicles built from 2018 onwards had received security updates, leading to a decline of more than 40% in thefts of Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models built between 2018 and 2022.
Despite these advances, the problem persists, and police forces across the country are urging drivers to remain vigilant. The National Police Chiefs' Council has previously warned that keyless car theft is a growing concern, with organised crime groups increasingly targeting high-value vehicles.
What This Means for Car Owners
For residents of Irby and beyond, the message is clear: keyless convenience comes with security risks. While manufacturers continue to improve their systems, owners must take proactive steps to protect their vehicles. Simple measures such as using a Faraday pouch, activating sleep mode on key fobs, and parking in secure locations can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
The Irby incidents also underscore the importance of community vigilance. Ring doorbell footage proved crucial in identifying the suspects and their methods, and police are encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity. As Inspector Robinson noted, "Please help us reduce the risk of any thefts in our area by reporting any incidents to police."
In a world where cars are increasingly connected and digitised, the battle between thieves and anti-theft technology is unlikely to end soon. But for now, awareness and precaution remain the best defences against a crime that can happen in seconds, often without a sound.
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