A HOME security expert has revealed her top tips for Brits who have lost their car keys.
Locksmith Elizabeth Johns said drivers are quick to get a new key cut so they can unlock their car and turn their key in the ignition.
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But those with remote key fobs often forget to get the receiver in the car’s door reprogrammed.
If they don’t, thieves – who could have got their hands on missing keys – can press a button to unlock the vehicle and start the engine.
Elizabeth also urges drivers to make sure their spare keys have been reprogrammed and replaced if the main key goes missing.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Elizabeth – company director at locksmith L&E Ltd – said: “We work with auto-locksmiths. Generally, if a driver has lost their car keys or their car keys are broken we do have lot of keys for that.
“But also, we do new keys for cars that have been stolen. Or even for keys that have been stolen.
“So if a car key has been stolen but the car is still there, we can erase the car key that’s been stolen from the CPU of the car and then reprogram another key.
“So even if they came back with that key, they wouldn’t be able to start the car with that.
“If you ever lose your car keys, it’s always a good idea to get the one that’s been lost erased from that car.”
Elizabeth also warned drivers with keyless cars to exercise caution.
While some thieves have been known to use gadgets that pretend to be your car’s key to gain entry – the most common methods are far simpler.
Elizabeth told how crooks use special devices to increase the signal range of keyless fobs.
The best ways to outwit criminals include keeping your key in a metal box or a specially made pouch – and placing it as far from your vehicle as possible when not driving.
Elizabeth said: “Keyless entry basically means you don’t have to put a key into the ignition and turn it to turn the car on.
“Keyless fobs have an inbuilt transceiver which sends radio signals to the car. So all you have to do is have that fob on you and it will open the car – you then just press a button and the car starts.
“There are devices that thieves have been using to make that signal wider range.
“So even though the keys are still in the house, the car will start.
“And then they’re away with it without even entering the home.”
Elizabeth explained that there are easy ways to make sure your keys are protected from crooks and their technology.
She said: “One of the ways that we’ve seen is if you keep the keys in a metal tin, it stops the signal.
“So we’ve seen people keep them in things like biscuits tins or tea caddies.
“I personally wouldn’t recommend that because it’s not been proven, but you can buy Faraday bags.”
Faraday bags are special signal-blocking structures that can protect credit cards, keys and gadgets from prying high-tech criminals
“Even if they’re on your driveway next to your car with the device, the signal won’t go any further than the pouch,” Elizabeth added.
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