Car key signal blocking pouches.

[james-witton]

Are they any good?

There’s been a growing number of instances around here where thieves haves scanned keys remotely to get steal cars.

Any thoughts on these pouches?

[Garvin]

I bought one to test. It works.

[anonymous-user]

Got my old man one called key jammer off amazon

We tested it - it works

He’s happy

[MrsMiggins]

I've got one and I can confirm that the doors won't unlock when the keys are in the pouch. I'm not sure how likely it is that my car would be stolen in this way, but the pouch was cheap so I figured I might as well.

I don't think my car's that attractive to thieves and I guess if someone really wanted it they'd just kick the door down and steal the keys that way. In those circumstances they can have it. It's insured.

[mikeiow]

To those who have them....check again in 6 months!

Daughter got one last autumn....tested it, and all was good.
About a month ago, we checked again...but the car opened.
With the key “securely” in the inner pocket .....

Back to Amazon seller: they sent a replacement that appears to work now....but we will check again in a few months!

[Second Best]

As cliché as it sounds, surely just wrapping your existing key pouch in ally foil will do the job?

[Baldchap]

Second Best said:

As cliché as it sounds, surely just wrapping your existing key pouch in ally foil will do the job?

Our safe didn't block the signal entirely, so doubt foil would.

Easy way to tell, wrap your mobile and ring it.

[skyline501]

Also, buy two. You'll need one for your spare key.

[motco]

Doesn't an old tobacco tin do the job?

[anonymous-user]

skyline501 said:

Also, buy two. You'll need one for your spare key.

This.

I'm sure an old metal biscuit tin will help but something designed for the job will work better as the biscuit tin is great for biscuits but not designed to shield RF signals.

IMHO this tech is a really daft idea, I am surprised the insurance industry isn't up in arms about it.

[Mikebentley]

Don’t new Mercedes keys have some sort of switch now built into keys. If the key is still and placed somewhere it switches off the signal it emits. It’s problems like this that the motor industry trade bodies should get the manufacturers together to sort out and share IP like Volvo do with safety advances.

[tomsugden]

I've been looking for a key box that blocks the signal, that I can drop the keys into at home. They don't seem to exist.

[Tim bo]

Yeh I bought two pouches for the keys to my C63 .

They cost pocket change, and it quickly becomes habit to put the key in the pouch when you get home.

Put it this way; if you didn't buy the pouches, how much would you be kicking yourself if your car gets nicked through the key being scanned when it's so bloody easy to prevent it?

[tonyb1968]

Have the pouches, work well, one has split though but still works. The other option is something like keyless protector, looks good but costs about £120.

[Garvin]

motco said:

Doesn't an old tobacco tin do the job?

Any small 'breach' in the conductive layer will result in failure so unless the lid is a tight fit all round and any seam is completely electrically sealed then a tobacco or biscuit tine will not be effective. Most lids on such tins do not fit tight enough and even if they do they can be a pain to open/close and will weaken over time.

I experimented with various tins and a metal key safe but all failed to work effectively. I just tested the pouches I acquired over six months ago and both still work.

There are 'military grade' enclosures available for those who are really concerned and want ease of use but they are expensive and not aesthetically pleasing!

[kambites]

It does faintly amuse me the amount of effort required to make a "convenience" feature fit for purpose.

[J4CKO]

kambites said:

It does faintly amuse me the amount of effort required to make a "convenience" feature fit for purpose.

Human nature is the problem, car makers were either naive or didn't care.

So many thieves out there, leave a nice Mountain Bike outside a newsagents anywhere int he country and see how long it lasts for confirmation.

[Z4monster]

We keep our merc keys in an small metal tin with a lid. I've just tried it and it absolutely blocks any signal from the key. I was stood beside the car and it would not open. Remove the lid and Hey Presto!

I understand the latest ones have a movement sensor built it so unless they are in a pocket or bag, they don't transmit the codes. Seems like an easy answer but I've never understood what was wrong with pressing the button anyway.

[Baldchap]

On the topic a few people have touched on, keyless is absolutely fantastic and I wouldn't be without it on my daily. I accept the risks for the benefits they give me.

I've been keyless for 12 years and not had an issue yet...

[BlueEyedBoy]

My M5 was parked on the street in London for 2 years away from the house. Moved half a mile away to a new house with a drive and in 3 weeks it was stolen, we believe using a key scanner. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, the M235i they left behind keys are now kept in the pouches and yes, I've kicked myself for not doing it earlier!