We are frequently told that “relay theft” is becoming the norm for modern vehicles. But how certain are we?
In many reported vehicle removals, there is no forensic evidence establishing precisely how the vehicle was started or driven away. Yet the explanation often quickly becomes “security bypass” or “electronic compromise.”
Before concluding that modern vehicle theft is predominantly technological, some simpler but uncomfortable questions deserve attention:
- How many keys were ever programmed for the vehicle?
- Has a replacement key been issued?
- Is an original key unaccounted for?
- Are police forces recording removal mechanisms in a structured way?
- Are national statistics distinguishing between security compromise and key compromise?
The difference matters.
Prevention strategies, manufacturer accountability and public messaging all depend on correctly identifying the mechanism of removal.
The full article explores whether we are measuring relay theft – or measuring assumption – read more here.