The NVCRP has welcomed new legislation in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 aimed at tackling keyless vehicle theft.

The legislation introduces offences relating to electronic devices commonly used to gain unauthorised access to vehicles, including equipment designed to interfere with or exploit keyless entry systems. It is now a criminal offence to manufacture, possess, import, adapt or supply these devices without a legitimate purpose.

A legitimate purpose means having a clear and lawful reason to use or hold such equipment, typically for authorised professional activities such as law enforcement, approved security testing or vehicle system development. Without a valid reason, possession may be an offence.

This clarification supports a broader change in the legal framework. Previously, action often relied on proving that devices had been used in a crime. The new measures allow earlier intervention by targeting possession and supply, helping to disrupt activity before offences take place.

Those convicted face serious penalties, including an unlimited fine, up to five years’ imprisonment, or both.

The Act also provides police with powers to enter premises to search for and recover electronically tracked stolen vehicles. This will support a faster and more effective response.

Keyless vehicle theft has become more common, often involving devices that intercept or replicate signals from vehicle keys. The availability of this technology has contributed to the scale of these offences.

The NVCRP recognises the role that electronic devices play in keyless vehicle theft. The new offences are a targeted step to reduce access to this equipment and support efforts to address this type of crime.

While the legislation strengthens enforcement, a coordinated approach remains important. Collaboration between policing, government, manufacturers and the security sector will continue to play a key role.

A spokesperson for the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership said: “We welcome this new legislation to help tackle the serious problem of organised vehicle crime. Until now, criminals have been able to use devices that exploit keyless entry systems to steal cars at scale, often without facing consequences simply for having these tools.

“By making it illegal to make, possess or supply this equipment, the law closes a gap which criminals were exploiting and makes it easier for police to take action earlier. “Crucially, the new powers allowing officers to enter premises and recover electronically tracked vehicles will help them respond faster and return stolen cars to victims more quickly.

“We believe this will strengthen police and partner efforts to disrupt and prevent organised vehicle crime and, most importantly, provide better protection for victims.”

A National Police Chiefs' Council spokesperson continued: “The widespread use of keyless technology has unfortunately led to the development of devices which criminals can exploit.

“We have been working closely with the Government to look at ways legislation can be used to stop the sale of devices like keyless repeaters and signal jammers in the first place. Many of these devices serve no legitimate purpose, and we believe that they are involved in most vehicle thefts in the UK in recent years, so the fact that it is now illegal to possess them is a really positive step forward.

“Removing access to such devices is, of course, just one element of tackling vehicle theft, but one that we predict could have a significant impact alongside our work with partners to tackle disposal routes for stolen vehicles and disrupt the often highly organised groups behind these crimes.”

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 represents a clear step forward in addressing the methods used in keyless vehicle theft, bringing greater clarity and consistency to how these offences are dealt with. By strengthening the legal position and enabling more decisive action, the measures support a more effective response to this form of criminality. The NVCRP will continue its work with partners to support these efforts and contribute to a sustained and coordinated approach to reducing vehicle crime.