Why tamper-resistant fasteners are an essential component of automotive theft-prevention strategies

Why is car theft in the UK rising?

While there’s no doubt that the tough economic situation has led to an increase in car theft, there are several other reasons, including:

• Keyless entry systems - vulnerable to hacking by thieves, who use technology to steal cars without needing a key.
• Rising demand for car parts - demand for certain high-value car parts, such as catalytic converters, has increased in recent years, making them an attractive target for thieves.
• Lack of security features - some cars do not have adequate security features, such as alarms and immobilisers, which can make them easier to steal. Even when cars do have these features, they are not always securely fastened.

What measures are the automotive industry taking to prevent theft?

Car manufacturers are continually working to develop new and better security measures, including the use of tamper-resistant fasteners and fixings.

Holding together a variety of components, from engine parts to body panels, as well as security features such as alarms and immobilisers, fasteners and fixings play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and integrity of a vehicle.

However, traditional fasteners are also vulnerable to theft, as they can be easily removed. Anti-tamper fittings are becoming ever-more necessary as a means of protecting vehicles and components from theft.

Anti-tamper fittings are a critical aspect of car-theft prevention

In recent years, criminals have taken advantage of keyless entry systems, popular in many newer cars. Known as ‘relay theft’, thieves use a device to amplify the signal from the car key and trick the car into thinking the key is nearby. Once they gain access to the car, they can easily drive it away without raising suspicion.

In response, car manufacturers have been looking to implement physical deterrents, such as anti-tamper fixings, as part of their overall theft-prevention strategy.

Anti-tamper fixings are designed to prevent unauthorised access to a vehicle's components. They are typically made of hardened steel and have unique shapes and patterns that make them difficult to remove without the proper tools. This makes it harder for thieves to steal valuable parts that can be sold for hundreds of pounds on the black market.

Anti-tamper fixings as the solution

As car thieves become more sophisticated in their methods, the automotive industry must stay one step ahead by making car parts harder to steal.

Anti-tamper fixtures and fixings not only help prevent theft but also ensure the safety of the vehicle, protecting both the owner and the manufacturer from costly repairs and liabilities.

Hafren Security Fasteners have a long history of providing specialist security fasteners to the automotive industry. ‘Stamping out the impact of theft globally’ is the reason they exist - get in touch to find out more about how their expert knowledge makes them uniquely placed to advise and partner with on security fastener solutions.