Keyless entry cars are incredibly convenient—you can walk up, get in, and start driving without digging for your keys. But that same convenience has created an opening for thieves. A growing method called a relay attack uses inexpensive devices to capture and extend your key fob’s signal from outside your home. One person stands near your house to pick up the signal, another stands by your car to relay it. To the car, it looks like the key is right there. The whole thing can take less than a minute.

The good news is you don’t need fancy gear to reduce the risk. Wrapping your key fob in aluminum foil or storing it in a Faraday pouch blocks the signal so it can’t be relayed. It also helps to keep your keys away from doors and windows where the signal is easier to reach. Adding a visible deterrent, like a steering wheel lock, gives thieves another reason to move on.

In an age of high-tech theft, simple steps still work. A sheet of foil or a low-cost pouch can make the difference between keeping your car and losing it.Taking precautions may feel unnecessary until you realize how common these attacks have become.

Police departments around the world are warning drivers that keyless car theft is rising fast, and insurance companies are already flagging it as a growing concern. By making your car harder to target, you’re not just protecting your vehicle—you’re also avoiding the stress, cost, and inconvenience that come with losing it. A small habit today could save you thousands tomorrow.