The 2010s marked a new era in the history of car theft in the UK, characterized by the emergence of new threats and the continued evolution of criminal tactics. While overall car theft rates remained relatively low compared to previous decades, the 2010s saw the rise of new forms of vehicle crime, particularly those involving advanced technology.
One of the most significant developments in vehicle technology during the 2010s was the widespread adoption of keyless entry systems. These systems, which allow drivers to unlock and start their vehicles without using a traditional key, became increasingly popular due to their convenience. However, they also introduced new vulnerabilities that could be exploited by criminals.
Keyless car theft and relay theft were commonly cite as methods of vehicle crime during the 2010s. Thieves used electronic devices to intercept the signal from a keyless entry fob and use it to unlock and start the vehicle. This method is particularly effective because it allows thieves to steal vehicles without needing to break into them or bypass traditional security systems.
The reported rise of keyless car theft highlighted the ongoing battle between vehicle manufacturers and car thieves, with each side continually trying to outmanoeuvre the other. While manufacturers introduced new security features to address the vulnerabilities of keyless entry systems, criminals quickly found ways to bypass these measures.
The 2010s saw the rise of ‘electronic’ and ‘cyber-theft’ of vehicles, as criminals increasingly turned to technology to carry out their crimes. Reports of hacking into a vehicle’s electronic systems or using devices to override security features surfaced.
One notable example of electronic car theft involved the use of OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) devices, which are typically used by mechanics to diagnose and repair vehicles. Criminals were believed to use these devices to reprogram a vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) and create a new key, allowing them to steal the car without triggering its alarm system.
Cyber-theft of vehicles also became a growing concern during the 2010s, as more vehicles became connected to the internet. Hackers were reportedly able to exploit vulnerabilities in a vehicle’s software to gain remote access to its systems, potentially allowing them to unlock the vehicle, disable its security features, or even control its engine.
In response to the rise of electronic and cyber-theft of vehicles, law enforcement agencies and regulators introduced several measures aimed at addressing these new threats. One significant development was the introduction of new security standards for keyless entry systems, which required manufacturers to implement additional protections against relay theft.
Law enforcement agencies also adapted their strategies to combat electronic and cyber-theft of vehicles. This included the establishment of specialized units focused on vehicle crime and the use of advanced technologies such as forensic analysis of electronic devices to track down and prosecute car thieves.
Regulators also took steps to address the vulnerabilities associated with connected vehicles. The UK government introduced new guidelines for the cybersecurity of connected vehicles, which set out best practices for manufacturers to follow in order to protect against cyber-attacks.
The 2010s saw increased collaboration between the public and private sectors in efforts to combat car theft. This included partnerships between law enforcement agencies, vehicle manufacturers, insurance companies, and technology firms to develop new security solutions and share information on emerging threats.
One notable example of such collaboration was the establishment of the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), which brought together representatives from law enforcement, the automotive industry, and the insurance sector to tackle vehicle crime. NaVCIS was expected to play a key role in coordinating efforts to combat car theft and improve vehicle security standards.
Private companies also played a significant role in developing new technologies to combat car theft. For example, technology firms developed advanced GPS tracking systems that could be used to locate stolen vehicles in real-time, while vehicle manufacturers introduced new anti-theft features such as biometric authentication and remote immobilization
The 2010s saw a continuation of the decline in overall car theft rates that had begun in the previous decade. According to official statistics, the number of vehicles stolen in the UK fell from around 150,000 per year in 2010 to just over 100,000 per year by the end of the decade. This decline was largely attributed to the effectiveness of modern security technologies and law enforcement efforts.
However, the 2010s also saw a rise in certain types of vehicle crime, particularly attributed to those involving keyless car theft and electronic hacking. These new forms of car theft posed significant challenges for law enforcement and vehicle owners, as they reportedly involved sophisticated methods that were difficult to detect and prevent.
One notable case from the 2010s involved the theft of high-end luxury vehicles using relay theft techniques. In this case, a gang of thieves used electronic devices to intercept the signals from keyless entry fobs and steal multiple vehicles worth millions of pounds. The case highlighted the growing threat posed by keyless car theft and the need for continued innovation in vehicle security.
The media played a significant role in shaping public perception of car theft during the 2010s. High-profile cases of keyless car theft and electronic hacking received widespread media coverage, which helped to raise awareness of the risks associated with modern vehicle technology.
Media reports often emphasized the sophistication of modern car thieves and the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating these new forms of crime. This coverage contributed to a growing sense of concern among the public, particularly among owners of high-end vehicles equipped with keyless entry systems.
The media also played a role in promoting public awareness campaigns and encouraging vehicle owners to take precautions against car theft. However, some reports suggested that the media’s focus on high-profile cases of car theft may have contributed to a perception that vehicle crime was more widespread than it actually was.