keys and theft prevention

[tanne]

i wonder how the keys work for theft-prevention

is the chip needed to start the engine ?

( and would a spare key without the chip open the door ? )

 

[Legin]

Yes to both your questions. Manual spare key has a chip in it unless you cut your own.

 

[Ting Tong]

i wonder how the keys work for theft-prevention

is the chip needed to start the engine ?

( and would a spare key without the chip open the door ? )

Yes x 2 again. A spare key without the chip (or so-called surf key) will open the drivers door but it activates the alarm. The key won’t start the engine.

 

[tanne]

so (perhaps a stupid question) , but why do people have e bearlock ? is the engine so easy to start without key ?

 

[WelshGas]

so (perhaps a stupid question) , but why do people have e bearlock ? is the engine so easy to start without key ?

A very pertinent question. All the thefts of Californias i have read about, the keys were obtained by some means.
I suppose the vehicle could be winched onto a tow truck without keys, but that would be a professional team with a target in mind.

 

[Ting Tong]

A very pertinent question. All the thefts of Californias i have read about, the keys were obtained by some means.

Yes and if they steal your keys they’ll probably also steal your Bear Lock key. An autowatch ghost immobiliser is better as no keys needed.

 

[Lightning]

Yes and if they steal your keys they’ll probably also steal your Bear Lock key. An autowatch ghost immobiliser is better as no keys needed.

The other benefit of the Ghost is that you could hide a spare set of keys inside the van as they are pretty useless to anyone else. This with a surf key on your person or hidden outside the van, also stops you being accidentally locked out.

 

[WelshGas]

Yes and if they steal your keys they’ll probably also steal your Bear Lock key. An autowatch ghost immobiliser is better as no keys needed.

Just the threat of physical force, unfortunately.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Just the threat of physical force, unfortunately.

Highly unlightly...
Easier to just move onto an easier target.
They always opt for the easy option.

 

[WelshGas]

Highly unlightly...
Easier to just move onto an easier target.
They always opt for the easy option.

How will they Know to move onto an easier target? Only after they have got the keys.

 

[soulstyledevon]

How will they Know to move onto an easier target? Only after they have got the keys.

Where they sit on the drive, trying to figure out why the vehicle won’t start...?
Electrical issue, starter fault it’s a Volkswagen could be anything...

Yep, I imagine after a minute or two, they will quickly do a runner and move onto the next victim.

 

[WelshGas]

Where they sit on the drive, trying to figure out why the vehicle won’t start...?
Electrical issue, starter fault it’s a Volkswagen could be anything...

Yep, I imagine after a minute or two, they will quickly do a runner and move onto the next victim.

If it’s a professional team, they have the keys and probably a low loader. They can sort it out later. And please don’t say the Autowatch system is unbreakable. Nothing is unbreakable and besides they probably make more stripping down for spares etc:.
Someone who was very clever invented the Autowatch and there is probably someone equally as clever working on disabling it easily.

 

[Lightning]

If it’s a professional team, they have the keys and probably a low loader. They can sort it out later. And please don’t say the Autowatch system is unbreakable. Nothing is unbreakable and besides they probably make more stripping down for spares etc:.
Someone who was very clever invented the Autowatch and there is probably someone equally as clever working on disabling it easily.

It’s really easy to break if you can find it, simply snip it’s power lead. It will slow them them down. They don’t need keys if they are going to lift it onto a low-loader anyway.

 

[soulstyledevon]

You can’t plan against everything.
But you can make it extremely difficult.

Im Happy it’s insured and has a Ghost fitted.
Done the most I can to prevent theft.
Especially as I surf a lot and I know it will still be in the carpark when I return from the Beach.

 

[Karlos]

Most vehicles are stolen with keys usually from a burglary, so we now have an ignition key each for our cali on our daily drivers keys so if the scum bags break in whilst we are out there are no keys to steal and if they wanted to take the van on a recovery type truck this would entail blocking the road so I presume they would not bother as it would very quickly attract attention I also have the extra steering lock key with me and park with the front wheels on full lock. You just have to do what you can.

 

[willwander]

A friend recently had his T5.1 kombi stolen, he claims they didn’t steal the keys and it was driven away (according to security camera) I’m not sure I’m entirely convinced by his story, but there you go.

From what I’ve read, remote key cloning a T6 to allow it to be driven is unlikely, but who knows, maybe there is a new trick out there?

 

[subthree]

A friend recently had his T5.1 kombi stolen, he claims they didn’t steal the keys and it was driven away (according to security camera) I’m not sure I’m entirely convinced by his story, but there you go.

From what I’ve read, remote key cloning a T6 to allow it to be driven is unlikely, but who knows, maybe there is a new trick out there?

12 months ago a lady who lives opposite us had her Audi A1 stolen without the physical keys being taken. Sunday 6pm, 2 guys sat on our garden wall, the indicator lights flash on the A1, they walk over the road, jump in and drive off. All done in less than 1 minute. It was all recorded on our Nest camera. Ridiculously easy for them with a scanner thing. I think the A1 still has an ignition fire the keys but a quick Google shows you can get some master key for that bit.

Ever since then our keys are always inside an RFID pouch, £5 each.

 

[willwander]

12 months ago a lady who lives opposite us had her Audi A1 stolen without the physical keys being taken. Sunday 6pm, 2 guys sat on our garden wall, the indicator lights flash on the A1, they walk over the road, jump in and drive off. All done in less than 1 minute. It was all recorded on our Nest camera. Ridiculously easy for them with a scanner thing. I think the A1 still has an ignition fire the keys but a quick Google shows you can get some master key for that bit.

Ever since then our keys are always inside an RFID pouch, £5 each.

I think some Audi A1’s have keyless entry and a start button, there is a known risk with transponder/key cloning with this setup.

T6’s don’t have keyless entry which is why I remain skeptical of my friends story.

 

[subthree]

I too would be sceptical apart from this afternoon my brother has just had his 11 year old Mercedes Sprinter stolen. He is a tree surgeon, the keys were in his pocket, and the van had completely gone. Vanished. Don't ask me how they did it. Immobiliser was on, everything locked. With that age of vehicle it certainly isn't keyless entry or a start/stop button.

I don't know what to suggest to keep your vehicle safe. He has a wife and 3 kids to feed and his source of income has just been taken away. There are some real low lifes out there.

 

[willwander]

I too would be sceptical apart from this afternoon my brother has just had his 11 year old Mercedes Sprinter stolen. He is a tree surgeon, the keys were in his pocket, and the van had completely gone. Vanished. Don't ask me how they did it. Immobiliser was on, everything locked. With that age of vehicle it certainly isn't keyless entry or a start/stop button.

I don't know what to suggest to keep your vehicle safe. He has a wife and 3 kids to feed and his source of income has just been taken away. There are some real low lifes out there.

Sorry to hear that. A quick search on sprinters brought up this...quite an interesting read.
Piston heads - Mercedes sprinter stolen in 3 minutes

I spent some time researching today...and ended up in some very dark places on the internet.
Rough guide seems to be:
- break into van
- access OBD port, back of dash, fuses etc.
- plug in laptop or dongle
- code a transponder and use a key blank (or other trickery?)
- activate a tracker blocker
- drive off

Whether this approach is feasible on a transporter, I don't know.
Anyway booked a fitting for a Ghost 2. I'm hoping it will be a while before someone cracks that too.

 

[subthree]

Sorry to hear that. A quick search on sprinters brought up this...quite an interesting read.
Piston heads - Mercedes sprinter stolen in 3 minutes

I spent some time researching today...and ended up in some very dark places on the internet.
Rough guide seems to be:
- break into van
- access OBD port, back of dash, fuses etc.
- plug in laptop
- code a transponder and use a key blank (or other trickery?)
- activate a tracker blocker
- drive off

Whether this approach is feasible on a transporter, I don't know.
Anyway booked a fitting for a Ghost 2. I'm hoping it will be a while before someone cracks that too.

That is a depressing link! Even more depressing is that the manufacturers seem to do little to change anything.

 

[soulstyledevon]

That is a depressing link! Even more depressing is that the manufacturers seem to do little to change anything.

Why would they...?
One vehicle down, another vehicle sold...

 

[Lightning]

VW Press Release Oct 2019


STOLEN VANS HIT RECORD HIGH WITH UK THEFTS UP 45% IN LAST FOUR YEARS
Oct 29, 2019

• Over 30,000 vans reported stolen across the UK since 2015/16, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles research
• Almost 10,000 commercial vehicle thefts recorded in the last 12 months – up 45% in the last four years
• Official police statistics reveal vans in London, West Yorkshire and the West Midlands are most at risk
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle is advising owners to ensure latest anti-theft devices are fitted and not to leave tools in the van overnight

Milton Keynes, UK – Van theft across the UK has soared by 45% over the last four years with 30,000 vehicles stolen since 2015*, according to research conducted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
A total of 32,056 vans have been stolen over the last four years with almost 10,000 thefts recorded across the UK in the last year alone, according to official police statistics. The 2018/19 figures represent a year-on-year rise of 4% and a 45% increase since 2015/16.
Of the 9,371 van thefts reported in the past 12 months, the Metropolitan Police recorded more than half of the total with 4,777 commercial vehicles stolen in the area – a rise of 15%.
The biggest yearly increase in thefts was reported in Leicestershire with 10 times more vans stolen in 2018/19 than records for the year before. Van thefts in North Wales doubled while West Yorkshire police records show a 67% rise. In fact, West Yorkshire was the second highest overall (931 thefts), followed by the West Midlands (409), Essex (387) and Leicestershire (377)**.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is advising van owners and fleet managers to ensure their vehicles are fitted with the latest anti-theft devices as well as remembering to remove expensive tools from vehicles at night.
As part of the Business Pack available across its range of Caddy, Transporter and Crafter, an anti-theft alarm system can be specified with interior monitoring, a back-up horn and tow-away protection. As part of its Working With You promise, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also offers a variety of lockable racking solutions and storage boxes for expensive tools.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is also currently offering a deal on its Meta Trak subscription, which allows owners to track their vans in real-time and receive instant smartphone alerts with full UK and European coverage. The one-year kit is currently offered with one month free while those opting for a three-year subscription receive three months free***.
David Hanna, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Head of Service and Parts Operations, said: “Our most recent findings are concerning as it reveals that the problem of van theft is getting worse rather than better – and it’s a problem right across the country. Vans are the lifeblood of so many businesses up and down the country and it’s not only the emotional stress of replacing the vehicle but also the days and weeks of letting customers down and the cost of replacing tools, often worth thousands of pounds, before you can get back to ‘business as usual’.
“Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is committed to supporting our customers wherever possible and that includes preventing them from becoming victims of van theft. We strongly advise not to leave tools in the vehicle overnight and we’re also supporting our customers with offers on the latest anti-theft devices to help give them piece of mind.”
Top tips to secure your van^:

• Park in well-lit areas or car parks with CCTV or alternatively position your van so that the doors are blocked by another vehicle or object
• Window guards or full internal bulkheads can stop would-be thieves seeing inside
• Adding security film to the side or back window glass can stop criminals smashing it
• Fitting additional locks to rear and sliding doors can help deter thieves
• Invest in lockable internal racking or secure storage boxes for your most valuable tools
• Fitting a tracker can help police hunt down the van if it is stolen plus it may reduce your insurance premium

For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
Notes editors:
* Freedom of Information request, September 2019, 42 of 47 police forces across UK responded
**

Police Forces	Stolen vans 2017/18	Stolen vans 2018/19	Year-on-year increase
Metropolitan Police	4,137	4,777	15%
West Yorkshire	557	931	67%
West Midlands	1,505	409	-73%
Essex	228	387	70%
Leicestershire	40	377	843%
Hertfordshire	206	253	23%
Derbyshire	n/a	229	-
Surrey	210	208	-1%
Avon and Somerset	166	193	16%
Sussex	n/a	181	-

*** Offer available until 31 January 2020 on the Meta Trak S5-VTS including one-year/three-year subscription ordered through Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Van Centre
^ Full details can be found here: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/about-us/van-life/top-tips-to-secure-your-van.html

 

[WelshGas]

VW Press Release Oct 2019


STOLEN VANS HIT RECORD HIGH WITH UK THEFTS UP 45% IN LAST FOUR YEARS
Oct 29, 2019

• Over 30,000 vans reported stolen across the UK since 2015/16, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles research
• Almost 10,000 commercial vehicle thefts recorded in the last 12 months – up 45% in the last four years
• Official police statistics reveal vans in London, West Yorkshire and the West Midlands are most at risk
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle is advising owners to ensure latest anti-theft devices are fitted and not to leave tools in the van overnight

Milton Keynes, UK – Van theft across the UK has soared by 45% over the last four years with 30,000 vehicles stolen since 2015*, according to research conducted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
A total of 32,056 vans have been stolen over the last four years with almost 10,000 thefts recorded across the UK in the last year alone, according to official police statistics. The 2018/19 figures represent a year-on-year rise of 4% and a 45% increase since 2015/16.
Of the 9,371 van thefts reported in the past 12 months, the Metropolitan Police recorded more than half of the total with 4,777 commercial vehicles stolen in the area – a rise of 15%.
The biggest yearly increase in thefts was reported in Leicestershire with 10 times more vans stolen in 2018/19 than records for the year before. Van thefts in North Wales doubled while West Yorkshire police records show a 67% rise. In fact, West Yorkshire was the second highest overall (931 thefts), followed by the West Midlands (409), Essex (387) and Leicestershire (377)**.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is advising van owners and fleet managers to ensure their vehicles are fitted with the latest anti-theft devices as well as remembering to remove expensive tools from vehicles at night.
As part of the Business Pack available across its range of Caddy, Transporter and Crafter, an anti-theft alarm system can be specified with interior monitoring, a back-up horn and tow-away protection. As part of its Working With You promise, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also offers a variety of lockable racking solutions and storage boxes for expensive tools.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is also currently offering a deal on its Meta Trak subscription, which allows owners to track their vans in real-time and receive instant smartphone alerts with full UK and European coverage. The one-year kit is currently offered with one month free while those opting for a three-year subscription receive three months free***.
David Hanna, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Head of Service and Parts Operations, said: “Our most recent findings are concerning as it reveals that the problem of van theft is getting worse rather than better – and it’s a problem right across the country. Vans are the lifeblood of so many businesses up and down the country and it’s not only the emotional stress of replacing the vehicle but also the days and weeks of letting customers down and the cost of replacing tools, often worth thousands of pounds, before you can get back to ‘business as usual’.
“Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is committed to supporting our customers wherever possible and that includes preventing them from becoming victims of van theft. We strongly advise not to leave tools in the vehicle overnight and we’re also supporting our customers with offers on the latest anti-theft devices to help give them piece of mind.”
Top tips to secure your van^:

• Park in well-lit areas or car parks with CCTV or alternatively position your van so that the doors are blocked by another vehicle or object
• Window guards or full internal bulkheads can stop would-be thieves seeing inside
• Adding security film to the side or back window glass can stop criminals smashing it
• Fitting additional locks to rear and sliding doors can help deter thieves
• Invest in lockable internal racking or secure storage boxes for your most valuable tools
• Fitting a tracker can help police hunt down the van if it is stolen plus it may reduce your insurance premium

For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
Notes editors:
* Freedom of Information request, September 2019, 42 of 47 police forces across UK responded
**

Police Forces	Stolen vans 2017/18	Stolen vans 2018/19	Year-on-year increase
Metropolitan Police	4,137	4,777	15%
West Yorkshire	557	931	67%
West Midlands	1,505	409	-73%
Essex	228	387	70%
Leicestershire	40	377	843%
Hertfordshire	206	253	23%
Derbyshire	n/a	229	-
Surrey	210	208	-1%
Avon and Somerset	166	193	16%
Sussex	n/a	181	-

*** Offer available until 31 January 2020 on the Meta Trak S5-VTS including one-year/three-year subscription ordered through Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Van Centre

^ Full details can be found here: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/about-us/van-life/top-tips-to-secure-your-van.html

A little disingenuous of VW Commercial.
They should sell a vehicle with the appropriate Options that make it Thief Proof in the first place.

 

[Dottybus]

Surely the fear of crime is greater than the chances of it happening. Do all you can to secure it and enjoy it !
But I do agree that manufacturers could do more...if they wanted to also liked the tip on the wheels being on full lock when you park up, haven’t thought of that.