Your 2024 Lexus ES is sitting in your driveway. Your key fob is on the kitchen counter, 40 feet away. You're inside watching TV. And right now, two guys in a beat-up Honda are outside your house, stealing your car in under 60 seconds, without breaking a single window.
This isn't science fiction. It's happening in Indianapolis neighborhoods every single week. And if you drive a push-button start vehicle, especially a Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, or Kia, you need to understand how this theft works and what you can do to stop it.
We're KEY BOSS LOCKSMITH, a.k.a KEY BOSS SECURITY AND DOOR SOLUTIONS, and we've been dealing with the aftermath of these thefts for years. Here's what you need to know.
The Relay Attack: How They Do It
The most common method is called a relay attack, and it's shockingly simple.
Your key fob is always transmitting a low-power radio signal. Always. Even when you're not using it. That's how your car knows to unlock when you walk up with the fob in your pocket.
Here's the problem: thieves figured out how to capture that signal and trick your car into thinking the key is right next to it.
Here's how it works:
Thief #1 stands near your house with a device that looks like a small antenna or tablet. This device picks up the radio signal your key fob is constantly broadcasting from inside your home, through walls, doors, everything.
Thief #2 stands next to your car in the driveway with a second device. The first thief's device amplifies and relays your key fob's signal to the second thief's device near your car.
Your car receives the signal and thinks, "Oh, the key fob is right here!" The doors unlock. Thief #2 gets in, pushes the start button, and your car starts. They drive away.
Total time? 30 to 60 seconds.
No broken glass. No alarm. No noise. Just gone.
Why Thieves Work in Pairs
You'll almost never see a solo car thief pulling this off. Relay attacks require two people working together, one to grab the signal from near your house, and one to relay it to the car.
They communicate through text, walkie-talkies, or even just hand signals. One person might walk past your house pretending to be on a phone call while their device scans for key fob signals. If they detect one, their partner moves in on the car.
Sometimes they'll case a neighborhood for days, watching routines, figuring out which houses have high-value vehicles, and identifying where people typically leave their keys (spoiler: most people leave them right by the front door or on a kitchen counter, exactly where the signal is easiest to grab).
It's Not Just Lexus, But They're Popular Targets
Any vehicle with push-button start is vulnerable to relay attacks. But certain brands are hit harder than others.
Toyota and Lexus vehicles are extremely popular targets. Models like the Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Lexus RX, and Lexus ES get stolen regularly using this method. Why? They're reliable, hold their value, and there's a strong market for stolen parts.
Newer Hyundai and Kia models with push-button start are also at risk. Older Hyundai and Kia models (2015-2021 without immobilizers) were already being stolen using USB cables and screwdrivers. Now, the newer models with push-button start face relay attacks.
Other brands? Honda, Nissan, Ford, Chevy, basically anything with proximity key technology. If you can unlock and start your car without physically inserting a key, you're vulnerable.
Where They Grab the Signal
Thieves don't need to break into your house to steal your car. They just need to get close enough to your key fob to grab its signal.
Common scenarios:
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Your key fob is on a shelf near the front door or window. This is the easiest grab. The thief stands on your porch or near the window, captures the signal, and relays it to the car.
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Your key fob is in your jacket hanging in the garage. If your garage is attached to your house, they can sometimes grab the signal from outside the garage door.
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You're at a parking lot or mall. One thief walks near you and captures the signal when you lock your car using the fob. They store that signal on a device and use it later to unlock and start your car.
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You're at home and hit the panic button or unlock button just to check. Every time you press a button, your fob sends out a stronger signal. If a thief is nearby with a scanner, they can capture and store that signal.
They're patient. They'll test signals, wait for patterns, and strike when you're asleep or away.
Why Slowing Them Down Works
Here's the good news: thieves are lazy and impatient.
If your car takes more than 30 seconds to steal, most of them will move on to an easier target. They don't want to deal with complications. They don't want attention. They want a fast, clean job.
That means even basic security measures, things that add just 20 or 30 extra seconds to the theft, are often enough to make them walk away.
A steering wheel lock? They'd have to cut through it. That's time and noise.
A car parked in a garage? They'd have to open the garage door. Too much risk.
A key fob stored in an RFID-blocking pouch? They can't grab the signal. Game over.
The goal isn't to make your car impossible to steal, it's to make it not worth the effort.
How to Protect Your Push-Button Start Car
Let's get into the practical stuff. Here's what actually works.
1. Use an RFID Blocker Pouch (Faraday Bag)
This is the simplest and most effective solution. An RFID blocker pouch, also called a Faraday bag, blocks all radio signals from your key fob.
When your key fob is inside the pouch, it can't transmit anything. Thieves can stand right next to it and they won't pick up a signal.
You can buy these pouches online for $10 to $20. Keep your key fob in the pouch when you're home, especially overnight.
Pro tip: Test the pouch before you trust it. Put your key fob inside, close the pouch, and try to unlock your car. If the car doesn't respond, the pouch is working.
2. Don't Leave Your Key Fob Near Doors or Windows
Move your key fob away from the exterior walls of your house. Keep it in a room that's deep inside your home, like a bedroom closet or a drawer in an interior hallway.
The farther the fob is from the outside, the harder it is for thieves to capture the signal.
3. Park in a Garage (If You Have One)
This is old-school, but it works. A closed garage door adds a physical barrier that makes relay attacks much harder and slower.
If you don't have a garage, park in well-lit areas or near security cameras.
4. Use a Steering Wheel Lock
Yes, they look old-fashioned. Yes, they're a little annoying to put on and take off. But they work.
A visible steering wheel lock tells thieves, "This car is going to be a pain to steal." Most of them will just move on.
5. Install a Kill Switch
A kill switch disables part of your car's electrical system: usually the fuel pump or starter motor. Even if a thief gets your car started using a relay attack, the kill switch stops the car from actually driving.
We install kill switches for clients in the Indianapolis area who want an extra layer of protection. It's not foolproof, but it's effective.
6. Turn Off Your Key Fob (If Your Car Allows It)
Some newer vehicles let you turn off the key fob's wireless signal when you're not using it. Check your owner's manual or do a quick online search for your specific make and model.
If this feature exists, use it every night.
What to Do If Your Car Gets Stolen
If you walk outside and your car is gone, here's what to do:
- Call 911 immediately. Report the theft to Indianapolis Metro Police.
- Contact your insurance company. Start the claims process right away.
- Call us at KEY BOSS LOCKSMITH, a.k.a KEY BOSS SECURITY AND DOOR SOLUTIONS. If your car is recovered, you'll likely need the locks rekeyed and possibly new keys programmed. We handle that.
We're an Indianapolis locksmith specializing in automotive security. Whether you need car key replacement in Indianapolis or help upgrading your vehicle's security after a theft, we've got you covered.
Final Thoughts: Don't Make It Easy for Them
Relay attacks are real, they're happening in Indianapolis right now, and they're not going away anytime soon. But you don't have to be a victim.
Invest in a $15 RFID pouch. Move your keys away from the door. Add a steering wheel lock. These small steps make a massive difference.
Thieves want the path of least resistance. The second your car becomes inconvenient, they'll move on to someone else.
And if you need help with auto locksmith services in Indianapolis: whether it's rekeying after a theft, programming new key fobs, or upgrading your car's security: reach out to us at KEY BOSS LOCKSMITH. We're open till late for emergency services and lockouts, and we're here to keep your vehicle safe.
Stay sharp out there.