There’s no doubt about it, car theft is a big problem in the UK. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that around 115,000 vehicles were stolen in the year ending December 2025 (ONS data).That’s almost a car stolen every five minutes.
If you’ve ever had your car stolen, you’ll know how upsetting (and costly) it can be. So, here are some devices that can help keep your car safe:
Lock your steering wheel
Thieves are opportunists. If you put a barrier in their way, they’ll think twice.
Sometimes, just the presence of a wheel lock is enough to deter some would-be thieves. But if you’re worried, there’s a great range of steering wheel locks rated Gold by Sold Secure, meaning they’re a significant deterrent.
Stoplock Pro Elite
The Stoplock Pro Elite is about as convenient as a steering wheel lock gets, which means you’re much more likely to keep it in the car and fit it whenever you leave your motor unattended.
Auto Express magazine tested it against four other steering wheel locks, and it came out on top. It took five minutes to defeat - just make sure you don’t keep the key to your Stoplock on the same keyring as your car keys.
Disklok
When the maker claims this is the ‘UK’s toughest steering wheel lock,’ it isn’t exaggerating. In independent tests, including ones by Thatcham, nothing tops the Disklok.
Its secret is to enclose the steering wheel in a tough reinforced steel case, which makes it almost impossible for a thief to cut through to the wheel – as they could with the Stoplock Pro Elite. Its relative bulk is a downside though, as it’s more of an effort to set up.
Milenco High Security Steering Wheel Lock
Another Gold rated wheel lock that boasts it’s the ‘toughest on the market’, the Milenco High Security Steering Wheel Lock is easy to fit around the spoke of your steering wheel, so it can’t be rotated. Even with power tools, it’s hard to remove.
One look through the window and thieves will be put off by the effort and risk.
Are keyless cars more secure?
You might think that modern cars are better equipped to combat thieves, but think again. Tech-savvy criminals have been targeting keyless cars using a technique known as keyless theft, or relay theft, where they intercept the signal from your key fob and trick your vehicle into unlocking and even starting the ignition.
How do I protect my keyless entry car from relay theft?
Steering locks are still a good start, but there are other things you can do to keep keyless cars safe.
Faraday pouch
These are easily available and are made to block the signal between your car and the relay device. You can take it out and about with you, so you can easily pop your fob inside when leaving your car.
Faraday box
These work the same way as a pouch, but they sit in one place at home and are a convenient and safe option. You just have to remember to use it when you get home.
Immobilisers (often built in)
An immobiliser is a built-in security system that stops your car from starting unless the correct key or code is present. Many cars already have them built in, but aftermarket versions are available and can add extra protection.
While the faraday devices stop thieves getting in your car, immobilisers stop thieves starting your car.
GPS tracking device
If your car is taken, a Thatcham-approved GPS device can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
Quite often thieves park your car somewhere not too far from your house. They then keep an eye on it for a few days to see if it has any active tracking devices. If no one finds it within that time frame, they’ll presume there’s no way of tracking it and take it further away.
However, GPS devices can significantly speed up the recovery of your car. You can give the police real time information on your car’s location, and stops you having to guess, drive around aimlessly, or post on social media chats to see if anyone’s seen your vehicle.
What is the best anti-theft device in 2026?
The best solution will come down to your own preference, but a blended approach such as a strong steering wheel lock and taking care to protect your key fob from relay theft will give you fighting chance to beat the thieves.
Also remember to do the basics right, such as parking in a sensible, well-lit location and making sure you’ve locked up.
