A new law will make owning a certain device a prosecutable offence that could result in prison (Image: Getty)
The Government has announced for drivers caught with one device in a bid to across the UK.
Under the new Crime and Policing Bill, road users who have a signal jammer, typically to , will face up to five years in prison.
, Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, suggested that the measure is necessary to tackle the in the UK each year.
She explained: “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.”
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Used to quickly unlock car doors, signal jammers were involved in four in 10 vehicle thefts in 2024. (Image: Getty)
According to data from the DVLA, 61,343 vehicles were stolen in the UK during 2024, with four in 10 vehicle thefts being conducted with a signal jammer.
Many of these vehicles are broken into with signal jamming devices, which are produced and sold by organised groups. These devices scramble the real key fob’s signal, unlocking the doors.
However, despite their widespread use by thieves, the new measures will be the first time that owning a signal jamming device will be made a prosecutable offence, with those caught with one facing an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison.
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Edmund King, President of the AA, has welcomed the decision, suggesting that it could have a significant impact on the number of cars stolen and give police forces more power to prevent future cases.
He added: “This is a positive step, and these tougher sentences should make would-be thieves think again before stealing cars. As fast as vehicle technology has evolved, thieves have always tried to keep pace and beat the security systems.
“Relay theft and signal jamming is all too frequent and these measures will give police forces more opportunities to tackle car crime.”