A recent survey has found that two in five car owners in Britain have left their car keys with a stranger before, whether that be a mechanic, valet, car-wash attendant or airport parking staff member. This finding comes as other recent research warns of a rise in car theft, due largely to key cloning.
YouGov quizzed 2,028 drivers and found that in the past 12 months, 43 per cent had left their car keys with someone they don’t know, whereas only 11 per cent have left their house keys with a stranger.
Among those respondents that have left their car key with a stranger, 71 per cent admitted they didn’t check whether the company or individual was a member of an accredited code of practice or other professional body.
Key cloning a potential rising threat
Car theft in Britain has recently risen during this year and numerous experts are pointing to a rise in key cloning from thieves. Key cloning refers to the method some professional car thieves can utilise, by using hi-tech equipment to create a duplicate of keyless systems.
The majority of modern cars rely on an electronic coded message sent between the key fob and the car. A criminal would find it easier to crack the code to unlocking and starting the car if they can scam their way to accessing both.
The Chief Executive of SMMT, Mike Hawes, said: “Manufacturers invest billions of pounds every year to stay one step ahead of the criminals, and the latest models include sophisticated immobilisers, smartphone-controlled tracking devices and random key codes to prevent cloning.”
Hawes added though that recent research like the YouGov poll shows “there’s more consumers can do to minimise risk.”
Car owners can help to protect their own vehicles by taking certain preventive measures. This can include parking in well-lit and secure parking spaces, double checking your car is locked before walking away, and checking the credentials of any company with which you leave your keys.
