I guess you’re here because you want to know a little bit more about keeping your Range Rover secure. If recent media reports are to be believed, if you own one, it’ll be nicked any second now, causing you immeasurable hassle and distress and asking yourself why you bother. But it needn’t take too much effort to beef up your car security, as even basic actions can deter all but the most determined of thieves.
The current publicity stems from a report that the older versions of the Range Rover built between 2016 and 2018, along with its stable mates the Evoque, Sport and Land Rover Discovery, are all included in the list of most stolen cars in the UK. Indeed, the situation was so bad at one point that it was almost impossible to get insurance for them. Things are now turning around, with Jaguar Land Rover saying that theft rates on its newer vehicles are significantly lower.
It appears that as technology has improved security measures, thieves have managed to keep pace and come up with ever more clever ideas to break into and steal cars. The two weakest areas are the RFID signals emitted by your key fob and the OBD (Onboard Diagnostics) port inside your car – that’s the rectangular connector to which mechanics hook up their laptops to diagnose problems with your engine. Using a simple laptop or even a tablet, thieves can intercept your key fob signals and clone them to gain access to your Range Rover. Once inside, they can access the OBD port to override the vehicle immobiliser and security systems and be on their way.
The reported issue has prompted Jaguar Land Rover to take action and launch a £10 million programme to retrofit its latest security technology to older vehicles. This will impact models going back to 2018 and will be run through the JLR dealer network. But what if you have a pre-2018 vehicle or want to be proactive and do something to improve the security of your Range Rover right now? We have a number of solutions here that are quick, easy and relatively inexpensive and will hopefully help prevent your Range Rover from getting stolen and joining the statistics.
How to keep your Range Rover secure at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Ironstripe Faraday Box – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best steering wheel lock: Disclok Steering Wheel Full Cover – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for OBD port protection: Bi Automotive OBD Cover – Buy now from Amazon UK
How to keep your Range Rover secure
Editor's choice
Rrp: £31.95
Rrp: £31.95
The Ironstripe Faraday box is a smooth, good-looking box that won’t look out of place on the hallway table, the kitchen counter, or the bedroom drawers. It’s a decent size, so it will hold multiple key fobs along with your smartphone and credit cards.
The interior is fitted with a double layer of shielding material, and it comes with a handy Faraday pouch for use when you are away from home. It’s also available in a smaller size for just a couple of key fobs.
Pros
- Larger size for multiple fobs
- Comes with pouch
Cons
- The catch can be tough
The best steering wheel lock
It features a bright colour and tough materials, and it completely prevents any kind of steering control. It's incredibly difficult to remove, even with industrial cutting equipment, and the locking barrel itself has been built to be drill and pick-proof.
The Disklok has been awarded the 'Secured by Design' accreditation by the official UK police initiative and the 'Sold Secure' Automotive Gold Rating certification. It comes in three sizes to suit different kinds of vehicles and is a great, highly visible way of keeping your Range Rover secure.
Pros
- Highly visible
- Tough, difficult to defeat materials
Cons
- Difficult to store
The best visual deterrent
This Stoplock wheel lock works largely as a visual deterrent but also makes use of hardened internals and an anti-drill lock to stop any removal attempt and slow down any potential theft. And remember, you can't hack a Stoplock with a laptop.
Pros
- Visual deterrent
- Easy to fit
Cons
- Clumsy to store
The best OBD Port Protector
The best OBD Port Protector
This OBD protector fits securely over the OBD port, preventing access to it. The solid metal cap is plugged into the OBD socket and secured with two security screws, which can be easily removed using the security tool when you need access to the port.
Pros
- Quick and easy
- Non-intrusive
Cons
- Remember not to lose the security removal tool
The best dummy OBD port
Pros
- No information transferred
- Only you will know where the live OBD connector is
Cons
- Requires a bit of work to install
The best tracking system
The great thing about Thatcham systems is that they're insurance-approved. And if you're lucky, you could get up to 20% off your next renewal once you have either the S7 or S5 series fitted.
Pros
- Price includes professional fitting
- UK insurance approved
Cons
- Subscription required
The best magnetic tracker
The battery can last up to 90 days on a single charge, and the unit is easily trackable via the GPSLive app. There's no subscription, but to get all the perks, there is a pay-as-you-go fee, which works out at around £40 for six months.
Pros
- Easy to install
- App is easy to use
Cons
- Pay-as-you-go fee required
Parkers top tips for keeping your Range Rover secure:
Dissuading a thief from stealing your Range Rover involves making it as challenging as possible for them to succeed. These bits of advice might sound like the same old tips over and over again, but their validity in helping prevent theft remains.
Security Signage:
Place signs or stickers showing that your Range Rover is equipped with a security system. This can act as a deterrent by making potential thieves aware that your car is not going to be an easy target.
Well-Lit Parking:
Park your Range Rover in well-lit, busy areas or make sure your driveway is well-lit. Thieves are less likely to attempt theft in areas with good visibility, as they prefer darkness and seclusion.
Garage Parking:
If possible, park in a locked garage. This adds an additional layer of security and makes it harder for thieves to access your car.
Use Steering Wheel Locks:
Steering wheel locks are highly visible and physically obstructive. Thieves may be deterred by the extra effort required to remove them.
Window Etching and Marking:
Etch your vehicle identification number (VIN) onto windows and use other marking methods. This not only makes your car less attractive to thieves but also aids in recovery if stolen.
GPS Tracking:
Install a GPS tracking device in your Range Rover. This can help the police locate and recover your vehicle more quickly if it’s stolen.
Key Management:
Be careful with your keys. Avoid leaving them in obvious or easily accessible places. Place them in a Faraday box whilst at home to prevent the RFID signal from being intercepted. Use a Faraday pouch to store your fob about your person when you are out and about.
Join Vehicle Watch Programs:
Participate in local vehicle watch programmes or neighbourhood watch groups. Being part of a community which is aware of and is tackling crime can enhance overall security.
Remember that no security measure is fool proof, but combining those listed above can significantly reduce theft risk and make your Range Rover less appealing to potential thieves. Additionally, make sure you stay up to date with local crime trends and take the appropriate precautions necessary.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media writing for Parker’s and CAR, and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.
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