Surge in High-End SUV Thefts: What You Need to Know About Relay Attacks
At Helfin Financial Services, keeping our clients informed about emerging risks is part of how we protect what matters to you. The Insurance Crime Bureau (ICB) has recently issued an industry alert on a growing trend we want to bring to your attention: the theft of new-model, high-end SUVs using relay attack technology.
The ICB reports a marked increase in these incidents, particularly in the Bloemfontein area, with organised criminal groups specifically targeting vehicles fitted with keyless entry and keyless start systems.
What Is a Relay Attack?
Relay attacks allow criminals to electronically intercept and amplify the signal from your vehicle’s key fob — enabling them to unlock, start and drive away with your vehicle without ever needing physical possession of your keys.
The typical method works like this:
- A suspect positions themselves close to the vehicle owner.
- Specialised equipment captures the signal being emitted from the key fob.
- That signal is relayed to an accomplice waiting near the vehicle.
- The vehicle is unlocked, started and driven away.
How You Can Protect Yourself
As your trusted insurance partner, we believe part of our role is helping you understand emerging risks and take practical steps to reduce them. If your vehicle is fitted with a keyless entry system, we recommend the following precautions:
✔ Store your vehicle keys away from doors, windows and other easily accessible areas of your home.
✔ Consider a Faraday pouch or another signal-blocking key storage solution.
✔ Park in secure, well-lit areas wherever possible.
✔ Make full use of any additional security features your vehicle offers.
✔ Stay alert in public spaces, especially when carrying your vehicle keys.
Please note: these recommendations are general risk management guidance only. They do not amend, vary or override the terms, conditions or exclusions of your insurance policy, and they do not replace any tracking, vehicle security or other requirements that apply to your insured vehicle.
Where This Information Comes From
This alert is based on an industry notice titled “Surge In High-End SUV Thefts Using Relay Attacks,” issued by the Insurance Crime Bureau, which highlights the growing use of this theft method against newer vehicles relying on proximity-based keyless entry and ignition systems.
For more detail on relay attacks and vehicle security best practices, you can visit the Insurance Crime Bureau’s website:
Awareness Is Your Best Defence
Staying informed and layering practical security measures can go a long way toward reducing your risk of vehicle theft. At Helfin Financial Services, we’re committed to keeping you ahead of emerging crime trends so you can protect what’s yours and avoid unnecessary losses.
If you have any questions about this alert or your vehicle insurance cover, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Helfin representative.
Please note that any information in our posts, documents, infographics, emails etc is general information and should not be considered as providing financial advice. We therefore disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such information by any reader, client or visitor to our website. Though we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided we accept no liability for any inaccuracies.