16 April 2019
3 Mins read

Ford rolls out anti-theft key fobs

Ford wants to stamp out car thefts that target keyless entry systems.

Ford is to roll out a new type of security technology that aims to prevent car theft that comes as a result of thieves hacking keyless entry fobs.

There has been increasing evidence of criminals targeting vehicles with relay box equipment, which extends the range of the owners' keyless fob signal from inside the home and allows people to unlock and start them from outside.

Now, Ford said it has created a new motion sensor to be placed inside its fobs that can detect when they have been stationary for more than 40 seconds. If this is the case, the fob goes into a sleep mode that will only be switched off if it is physically picked up and taken to the connected vehicle.

The Ford Fiesta and the Fiesta Can are already being delivered with the new fobs as standard, while production for the Focus will begin next month.

Drivers of previous Ford Fiesta and Focus models can also have their security upgraded with replacement fobs at their local dealerships.

Ford security specialist Simon Hurr said: "The online availability of devices which have no place in public hands has long been a problem for Ford, our industry and crime fighters. We are pleased to respond with a simple but effective solution – swiftly implemented to help protect owners of our top-selling cars."

According to the Home Office, almost 120,000 vehicles were reported stolen last year, with thieves increasingly using technology to bypass entry systems on keyless cars.