A BBC investigation has uncovered that sophisticated electronic devices enabling criminals to steal keyless cars without forced entry are being openly sold online for prices exceeding £20,000, highlighting a growing threat to vehicle security in the UK. These gadgets, often marketed with instructional videos and price lists, allow thieves to bypass security systems in minutes, targeting high-value models like Lamborghinis and Maseratis. While possession is not yet illegal, the government has pledged to introduce bans under new legislation, amid rising concerns over organized crime's exploitation of these tools.The devices primarily function through "relay attacks," where criminals use electronic tools to amplify and bounce the signal from a car's key fob—often left inside a home—to the vehicle parked outside, tricking it into unlocking and starting without the physical key. More advanced versions include military-grade signal jammers that disable car trackers post-theft, preventing owners or authorities from locating the stolen vehicle. Cheaper models, disguised as Bluetooth speakers, are available for lower-value cars, while premium gadgets come with features tailored to specific luxury brands. In one documented case in Wolverhampton, a gang stole a car in just two minutes using such a device while the owners slept, later abandoning it after it became immobilized These illicit tools are advertised on online platforms with detailed price lists, ranging from £20,000 to £22,000 (or up to 25,000 euros), and include video tutorials demonstrating their use on high-end vehicles. Sellers often promote them as "professional" equipment, with no apparent restrictions on purchases, raising alarms about accessibility to organized crime groups. Experts note that these devices are sometimes loaned by cross-border syndicates, allowing thieves to recoup costs by stealing multiple cars weekly—up to 10 in some cases.Richard Billyeald, chief technical officer at Thatcham Research, emphasized that these gadgets have "no legitimate use" and signal a professionalization of car theft by organized gangs stealing to order for profit. Neil Thomas, a car tracking expert, highlighted how crime groups lend the devices, enabling rapid theft operations. Jack Cousens from the AA described keyless entry systems as a double-edged sword—convenient for owners but a vulnerability exploited in high-theft areas, with thieves evolving faster than security measures. The BBC's findings echo long-standing issues, with similar reports dating back years, but the current scale and online availability mark an escalation.In response, the UK government is advancing the Crime and Policing Bill, which will criminalize the possession, sale, or sharing of these theft devices, with penalties up to five years in prison. Currently, prosecution only occurs after a theft is committed, but the new law aims to preemptively deter ownership. This follows promises to address the loophole, as owning the gadgets is not yet outlawed.Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Home Office reveal over 100,000 vehicles stolen in the UK over the past 12 months. Admiral Insurance estimates that 60-70% of these involved keyless models, though not all via relay devices. The rise in such thefts underscores the need for enhanced security features from manufacturers and greater public awareness, such as using Faraday pouches to block key signals. As organized crime adapts, this could drive up insurance premiums and prompt a reevaluation of keyless technology's risks versus benefits.