What is a relay attack and why you should be careful: "Summer is more attractive to criminal networks."

Throughout 2024, approximately 33,000 cars were stolen in Spain, according to data from a study conducted by LoJack. However, there is one time of year when vehicle thefts are significantly more common than other months: summer. Throughout July, August, and September, there were as many as 8,568 car thefts, surpassing the rest of the quarters by a considerable margin, as most thieves take advantage of the summer holidays to do their work.

Furthermore, criminals are increasingly using more sophisticated methods to steal cars, so extreme caution is essential during the summer months. One of the tactics thieves have been using in recent years to steal cars is the so-called "relay attack," which allows them to open vehicles without the owners' knowledge. Therefore, it's crucial to know what this theft system involves and how to prevent it.

What is the 'relay attack' used to steal cars?

Thieves who use the "relay attack" method take advantage of the technological innovations that have been introduced in the automotive sector in recent years to do their work. One of the most widespread innovations in vehicles circulating in Spain today is contactless keys, which mean that you don't need to insert the key into the car's lock to open the doors.

It's precisely this remote control mechanism that thieves use to steal vehicles. Criminals use advanced devices to amplify and intercept the signal emitted by contactless car keys. This signal is reproduced on the car itself , allowing thieves to both enter and start it, making it easy for thieves to steal the car and leave the owners without it.

This "silent" method means thieves don't have to force the vehicle's locks, which in turn allows thieves to commit the theft in just a couple of seconds. The "relay attack" is so dangerous precisely for this reason: the speed and efficiency with which criminals act, so it's very common for owners to not realize they've been robbed until much later.

But how can it be prevented? There's a curious , unorthodox but quite effective method to prevent thieves from capturing the signal from contactless keys. It's wrapping them in aluminum foil, as this will prevent the waves they emit from being picked up. It's a very simple trick that can prevent your car from being stolen this summer.