THE number of ‘keyless’ car thefts around Limerick City and County remained well above pre-pandemic levels last year by over 180 per cent.
That’s according to newly-released motor theft statistics from the CSO, which showed such ‘keyless’ motor thefts in Limerick at 417 for last year – significantly above the 143 recorded in 2019, representing a 183 per cent increase.
However, the figures do show an overall decrease in ‘keyless’ thefts in Limerick year-on-year, falling 17 per cent from 502 in 2024.
‘Keyless’ car thefts, also known as ‘relay theft’, according to car insurance provider OUTsurance, involves criminals using technology to replace the electronic signal of a vehicle’s remote locking and keyless ignition to break into and start vehicles.
Other techniques used by tech-savvy thieves include signal jammers, where drivers attempting to lock their car with a fob have their attempts foiled by criminals who are blocking the wireless signal.
Following the spate of keyless thefts, Outsurance issued some advice to help stop car thieves in their tracks.
The insurance provider suggested storing car keys in signal-blocking Faraday pouches, which are widely available. Or, alternatively, in a metal container such as a biscuit tin, to avoid signal blocking or intercept.
Keeping keys away from doors and windows was also suggested, as well as other areas where signals can be easily accessed from outside the home.
Outsurance also suggested steering wheel locks, which can act as a “physical deterrant” and “slow thieves town”, and immobilisers to prevent the engine being started without additional authentication.