Your keys may no longer be safe inside your home – if theives have brought the right tools
11:28, 21 Jan 2026Updated 12:44, 21 Jan 2026
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Car thieves in Cork (file photo)(Image: )
Over the last few years, here in Cork, we’ve seen a sharp rise in the number of cars broken into late at night. It’s almost every week that a new clip is posted to social media showing groups of young men and teenagers prowling through estates searching for unlocked cars and rifling through them for any valuables.
These thieves are relying on a bit of carelessness on the owner’s part, who may have forgotten to lock up before heading to bed. However, with modern technology, thieves can now access your car even if your keys are securely tucked away inside the home if they’ve brought the right tools.
Many modern cars now use keyless entry systems that rely on wireless signals transmitted between the car and the key, which activate when the key is within range. This usually isn’t a problem, as you need to be quite close to the car for it to unlock, but if the signal’s range is extended, the car can be opened even if the keys are stowed inside the home.
Thieves across the UK began adopting the tech in recent years, with the devices responsible for an estimated 40% of all car thefts, according to a report from the BBC. The technology is less common here in Ireland, but Gardaí have recently issued a warning to motorists outlining how they can protect themselves.
Thankfully, this isn’t the sort of problem that requires a hugely expensive solution, and you can help protect yourself from these sorts of thieves for less than €20. Gardaí have outlined a few cheap and easy ways to keep your car protected, which you can find below.
- Store car keys and spare keys in a signal-blocking (Faraday) pouch.
- Keep keys away from doors, windows, and letterboxes inside the home.
- Always lock your vehicle and double-check it is secure. Check telltale signs like windows being fully closed, lights flashing, and wing mirrors folding in.
- Park in a well-lit area, ideally off-street where possible.
- Ensure your vehicle’s software is kept up to date (local dealership/service centre can help).
- Avoid leaving spare keys in or near the vehicle.
A Faraday pouch can be purchased from motor accessory shops, electronics retailers and online with a pricetag often under €20. The pouch blocks the signal from your keys, making it impossible for thieves to boost and gain access to your vehicle. If you have a spare key, this should also be kept inside the pouch.
Gardaí also encouraged residents who witness any sort of suspicious activity around cars in their area to get in touch with their local station and report it