Crackdown on Electronic Car Theft Devices: New laws target criminals, but what could it mean for the taxi trade?
New laws banning sophisticated electronic devices used in vehicle theft will soon come into force, aiming to disrupt organised crime and make streets safer across England and Wales.
Electronic devices such as signal jammers and keyless repeaters are linked to 40% of vehicle thefts, according to government data. Criminals use these tools to manipulate signals from remote locking devices, making it easier to steal cars without using physical keys.
The new legislation will give police and courts greater powers to target offenders in possession of these devices. Previously, prosecution was only possible if it could be proven that a device had been used in a specific crime. Under the new rules, simply possessing, importing, manufacturing, adapting, or distributing such equipment will be punishable by up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine. The responsibility will fall on individuals to prove they are using the devices for a legitimate purpose.
The Metropolitan Police Service estimates that in London, signal jammers are involved in 60% of vehicle thefts. The 2022–23 Crime Survey for England and Wales recorded 732,000 incidents of vehicle-related theft, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Organised crime groups are behind a significant proportion of these offences, taking advantage of demand for stolen vehicles. Criminals are constantly finding new ways to bypass security measures, even in the latest car models. The government’s latest action is part of its wider Crime and Policing Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament on Tuesday.
With technology playing an increasing role in car theft, authorities hope these new measures will close loopholes and give police more power to act before criminals strike.
Potential Impact on the UK Taxi Industry
The ban on electronic car theft devices could have implications for the UK taxi industry, particularly for drivers who operate keyless vehicles. As criminal gangs increasingly target modern cars with sophisticated security systems, private hire and taxi drivers—many of whom use keyless entry vehicles—have been at risk of theft.
Stronger enforcement against possession and distribution of signal jammers and keyless repeaters may reduce the number of taxis and private hire vehicles stolen, potentially lowering insurance premiums for drivers. Vehicle theft not only affects livelihoods but also disrupts services for passengers, especially in areas where taxis are a primary mode of transport.
However, the effectiveness of this measure will depend on enforcement. Organised crime groups have shown they can quickly adapt to new security measures. If criminals develop alternative methods to bypass vehicle security, the threat to taxi drivers may persist.
Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson, said: “These thefts have a devastating effect on victims, who need their vehicles to go about their everyday lives. We are aware of the real concerns people feel with the use of these electronic devices being so prolific.
“This is why we are introducing new laws focused on tackling this issue at source, which is what our Safer Streets mission and Plan for Change are all about. These new laws will prevent these devices from getting into the hands of thieves and organised crime groups.
“We will also continue to work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, which includes supporting their National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership, which brings together the police and manufacturers to clamp down on vehicle crime.”
