The increasing prevalence of keyless entry vehicles has unfortunately been matched by a rise in sophisticated theft methods, most notably the ‘relay attack’. UK police forces actively advise drivers of all keyless cars to use a signal-blocking wallet, commonly known as a Faraday pouch, to mitigate this risk. For drivers looking to identify a suitable product, accreditation from Secured by Design — a police-owned crime prevention initiative — provides a useful independent benchmark, as police forces are able to recommend and signpost consumers to SBD-accredited products.
Accredited Brands Recognised by UK Police
While many companies produce signal-blocking products, Secured by Design (SBD) accreditation is the established route to formal police recognition for security-related products in the UK, with police forces able to recommend and signpost consumers to accredited products. This ensures the product has been independently tested and certified to meet the relevant security standard. Choosing an accredited pouch provides confidence that you are using a proven security measure.
Several reputable brands have met these stringent requirements:
- Defender Signal Blocker: This is a prominent brand that has achieved the Secured by Design Police Preferred Specification. Defender pouches are constructed with a specialist material called RPF™ which blocks the electromagnetic signal from the key fob, preventing criminals from capturing and relaying it to gain access to your vehicle.
- Disklabs Key Shield: Secured by Design confirms that the Disklabs KeyShield was the first RF-blocking product to gain the Police Preferred Specification. Disklabs specialises in RF shielding and offers various sizes, including larger pouches designed to hold multiple key fobs, which is ideal for households with more than one vehicle.
Key Police Recommendations for Using Faraday Pouches
Police forces across the United Kingdom, including Police.uk, provide consistent crime prevention advice for owners of keyless vehicles. Following these steps significantly reduces your vulnerability to a relay attack, which according to Secured by Design can take as little as 60 seconds. Adherence to these expert recommendations is a crucial layer in your vehicle’s overall security.
| Police Recommendation | Expert Detail |
|---|---|
| Secure Both Keys | It is critical to place both your primary key and your spare key inside a signal-blocking pouch. Thieves will target the spare key if it is left unprotected in your home. |
| Test Your Pouch Regularly | The signal-blocking material can degrade over time. Police advise you to test your pouch every few months by placing the key inside and approaching your car. If the vehicle does not unlock, the pouch is still effective. |
| Consider Physical Security | A Faraday pouch is a vital first line of defence, but police also recommend traditional security measures. A high-quality steering wheel lock or wheel clamp acts as a strong visual deterrent. |
| Check Fob Features | Some manufacturers include a sleep or disable function on their key fobs, which deactivates the signal after a period of inactivity. However, this feature is not available on all vehicles and cannot be retrofitted to older models. Check your vehicle’s manual or contact your dealer to find out whether your fob supports this function. |
Conclusion
While Faraday pouches are widely available at a range of price points, the key differentiator to look for is the Secured by Design (SBD) logo. This accreditation confirms the product has been independently tested and certified, and represents the established route to formal police recognition for security products in the UK. Opting for an SBD-accredited pouch is therefore a straightforward way to identify a product that has met a recognised, independently verified standard — though it is worth noting that the market includes non-accredited pouches that have also performed well in independent consumer testing.
For expert advice on enhancing your vehicle’s security, including fitting a tracking device or other anti-theft measures, it is always best to consult a professional. You can find a trusted, local garage to provide guidance and installation services.
Comment