Keyless car theft crackdown in 2025: what the new UK law means and the security upgrades that actually stop theft

Developments
Written By Steven Archibald

A new UK law now bans possession or distribution of electronic theft tools such as relay devices and signal jammers, with penalties of up to five years in prison. That is welcome news, but owners still need layered in‑vehicle security that blocks modern attack routes like relay, CAN‑injection and OBD programming. This guide explains what changed in 2025, how thieves are stealing cars today, and the exact Thatcham‑approved trackers, immobilisers and OBD blockers we recommend for UK drivers who want prevention and insurance compliance. GOV.UK

What changed in 2025 and why it matters

In February 2025 the UK Government confirmed legislation that makes it illegal to possess or distribute electronic devices used to steal vehicles, including signal jammers and relay gadgets. Thatcham Research welcomed the move as an important step that targets criminal tools, while protecting legitimate diagnostic equipment used by the motor industry. Offenders face a maximum sentence of five years. The law tackles upstream supply of gadgets, but it does not secure your car by itself, which is why owners should combine this policy shift with technical upgrades on the vehicle. GOV.UK+1

Vehicle theft is still a real risk in 2025

Police recorded crime data indicate the problem remains significant. Reports in autumn 2025, drawing on ONS figures, show 121,825 vehicles stolen in the year ending 31 March 2025, the highest level in more than a decade. At the same time, the Association of British Insurers reported record motor claims costs for 2024, with theft claim averages rising, which is one reason insurers continue to mandate Thatcham S5 or S7 trackers on higher‑risk vehicles. The direction is clear. Security expectations are higher and prevention pays. Fleet News+1

How thieves steal cars today

Relay and keyless abuse

Relay devices capture and amplify the signal from a key inside your home so the car unlocks and starts as if the key were present. It is silent, fast and leaves little trace.

CAN‑injection through exposed wiring

Teams gain access to the vehicle’s CAN network by splicing into a vulnerable circuit, often around headlight or wheel‑arch wiring. A CAN injector then sends messages that mimic the smart‑key receiver, tricking ECUs into authorising start. This bypasses factory immobilisers that were not designed with these message‑layer attacks in mind. static.rusi.org

OBD programming and software‑enabled starts

Once inside, criminals target the diagnostics port to program a new key, clone data or inject commands. That is why OBD port immobilisers are now a recommended layer for many platforms.

Why a law alone is not enough

The new law restricts supply of gadgets, but organised groups still adapt quickly. Owners should harden their vehicles directly with Thatcham‑approved tracking and immobilisation that defeats these methods at the car.

The layered defence that works in the UK

A modern security stack has three jobs: prevent a start, deny diagnostic abuse, and guarantee recovery support if the worst happens. Here is how to build it with Specialist Trackers UK.

1) Stop the engine starting without you: ADR engine immobiliser

An ADR immobiliser blocks the engine unless a recognised ID tag is present. Choose a No Tag, No Start system for daily prevention with zero hassle. Start with our Engine immobilisers page for options and fitment.

https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/immobilisers/engine-immobilisers

2) Deny the OBD route: OBD port immobiliser

An OBD blocker electrically isolates the diagnostics lines until you deliberately enable them for servicing. This prevents unauthorised key programming and many software‑enabled starts. See OBD Blockers for details and FAQs.

https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/immobilisers/obd-blockers

3) Detect, verify and recover: Thatcham S5 tracking with ADR

A Thatcham S5 tracker adds Automatic Driver Recognition and 24/7 control‑room monitoring. If your car moves without a recognised tag, you get a call and police‑grade recovery support. See Thatcham S5 trackers and our deep‑dive S5 buyer’s guide.

• https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/trackers/thatcham-s5-trackers
• https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/blog/thatcham-s5-tracker-the-complete-uk-buyers-guide-for-2025

4) One platform that does it all

Prefer one app and one invoice. Choose a combined tracker and immobiliser package. Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK and Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK PRO integrate S5 tracking, automatic immobilisation and, on PRO models, remote OBD port immobilisation. For a covert backup, DEADLOCK PRO+ adds a secondary wireless tracker.

• https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/trackers/tracker-and-immobiliser
• https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/shop/p/meta-trak-s5-deadlock-tracker-immobiliser
• https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/shop/p/meta-trak-s5-deadlock-pro-tracker-immobiliser
• https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/shop/p/meta-trak-s5-deadlock-pro-plus

Practical settings that make a difference

Daily use

  • Keep No Tag, No Start active at all times. Store ID tags away from keys to avoid discovery during a burglary.

  • Leave the OBD port immobiliser blocked at all times. Only disable it when an authorised technician needs access.

  • Use Transport Mode when transporting the car to avoid false alerts from a tracker.

Trips and holidays

Servicing and MOT

  • Use Service Mode to ensure your system ignores all normal alerts, such as battery disconnections, etc. Service mode will also prevent the system from automatically arming the immobilisers whilst with your service technicians.

  • Keep your installation certificate handy for your insurer. Thatcham-approved systems issue this automatically after fitting.

    https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/blog/thatcham-s5-tracker-uk-installation

Insurance considerations in 2025

Insurers continue to mandate Thatcham S5 trackers for high‑risk cars and sometimes S7 for others. Requirements can appear at new business or renewal and are linked to theft risk, claim history and postcode. Claims inflation is still a factor. ABI reported record motor claims costs for 2024, including higher theft claim values, which is one reason compliance checks have tightened. If you want prevention and compliance in one, a combined S5 tracker and immobiliser option, such as Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK is often the simplest route. abi.org.uk

Where to start:

How CAN‑injection and OBD attacks bypass factory immobilisers

Factory immobilisers disarm automatically when a valid key is detected. CAN‑injection attacks imitate that signal at the network level, which is why ADR immobilisers that operate independently of the factory system are so effective. Adding an OBD blocker closes down the programming route if thieves gain cabin access. Academic and policy research in 2025 set out exactly how criminals splice into exposed wiring and spoof key messages to disable immobilisation. Owners should assume that once thieves are at the car, they will attempt a software‑enabled start unless you have blocked these pathways. static.rusi.org

Recommended build sheets by vehicle type

Prestige and performance cars

  • Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK PRO+ for S5 tracking, automatic and remote immobilisation, remote OBD port immobilisation, plus a covert backup tracker.

  • Add a steering lock as a visible deterrence on street parking.

    https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/shop/p/meta-trak-s5-deadlock-pro-plus

Keyless SUVs

EV’s or electrified powertrains (MHEV)

  • Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK E-TEC - This product is specifically designed for electrified powertrains and operates similarly to the standard Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK, but it uniquely immobilises the vehicle. The Meta Trak DEADLOCK E-TEC immobilises the vehicle's start/stop button using a Thatcham-accredited CAT2 immobiliser. This innovative system is capable of immobilising complex electrified powertrains without generating any faults on the vehicle's dashboard display.

    It's important to note that this product currently has limited compatibility, as it was originally designed for VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group) and BMW vehicles. Please check our vehicle compatibility list on the product page to ensure that your vehicle is suitable before making a purchase.

Trades, vans and fleets

  • Remote immobiliser control is useful for out‑of‑hours lock‑down and missed‑payment scenarios.

  • ADR immobiliser - Cost-effective theft prevention even if your vehicles have fleet tracking with another provider.

  • https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/immobilisers/remote-immobilisers

  • https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/shop/p/meta-autoblok-immobiliser

Caravans, trailers and plant

Installation options and what to expect

Quick checklist: make your car a hard target

Real‑world context: thefts and enforcement

Press and policy coverage in 2025 highlight that electronic devices are implicated in a large share of thefts and that some models have been targeted with rapid electronic attacks. Owners should not wait for software patches or market‑wide changes before upgrading their own security. A layered aftermarket setup is the only reliable way to turn a quick digital exploit into a non‑starter while ensuring recovery support if a theft attempt progresses.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Thatcham S5 or S7 tracker for insurance?

Many insurers require a Thatcham S5 tracking device for higher-risk cars and may accept a Thatcham S7 for others. Your quote or renewal documents will specify the requirements.

If you want added security, consider a combined tracker and immobiliser package with Thatcham S5 options. Just because your insurer requests a Thatcham S7 doesn’t mean you can't install a Thatcham S5 or an additional immobiliser. If you meet the requirements with a higher accredited system, like a Thatcham S5, along with an immobiliser, that will still comply with your insurer's rules.

What is the difference between S5 and S7?

S5 adds Automatic Driver Recognition with monitored response for unauthorised movement, it is typically required on higher risk or keyless vehicles. S7 is the monitored recovery baseline that suits caravans, trailers and vehicles without an S5 condition, compare our Thatcham S5 trackers and Thatcham S7 trackers to see which fits your insurer’s wording and your budget.

What does the 2025 UK crackdown on keyless car theft devices actually change for me?

The law targets the supply and possession of electronic theft tools; it does not harden your individual car’s security. You still need layered security, such as an S5 or S7 tracker for monitored recovery and an immobiliser for prevention to stop keyless car theft in the UK in 2025.

Do I still need an immobiliser if I install a tracker?

Yes, if you want theft prevention as well as recovery, a No Tag, No Start immobiliser blocks the engine or powertrain unless a recognised tag is present, which helps defeat relay theft, CAN injection and software-enabled starts, see engine immobilisers or choose a combined tracker and immobiliser package.

How do I protect against CAN injection and OBD programming?

Pair any Meta Trak tracking system with their OBD port immobiliser so the diagnostics port remains blocked until you enable it. This closes common software routes and strengthens CAN injection theft protection.

Will an S5 tracker lower my premium?

It may help; however, the main benefit is meeting any insurance condition and ensuring professional theft response. Staying compliant with an active S5 or S7 subscription protects claim validity during a rising risk period.

What should caravan and trailer owners use?

Choose a Thatcham S7 Caravan tracker for proactive potential theft alerting and monitored recovery, and add a covert wireless battery-powered tracker as a backup on trailers and horseboxes. Our Trailer tracker page explains tow, power loss and movement alerts.

How quickly can you install, and what is included?

We offer UK-wide mobile installation with a full product demonstration and a proof of installation certificate. For what to expect, see our S5 tracker installation guide, then choose your system from the S5 or S7 ranges.

Sources for key facts referenced

  • Home Office announcement and Government factsheet on banning electronic theft devices. GOV.UK+1

  • Coverage of the 40 per cent figure and sentencing. ITVX+1

  • ABI data on record motor claims in Q1 and Q2 2025. ABI+1

  • ONS note on availability of police recorded theft data to March 2025. Office for National Statistics

Website links:
Thatcham S5 trackers • Thatcham S7 trackers • Tracker and immobiliser systems • Engine immobilisers • Wireless battery‑powered trackers • Trailer tracker • S5 installation overview

 

Ask a Question

Steven Archibald
Next

Battery-powered Tracker Guide UK 2025: How Wireless GPS Trackers Work, Who They’re For, and a Practical Look at Meta Trak Pulsar