The rule change is part of the Government’s flagship Crime and Policing Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament tomorrow (24 February).
Under the legislation, courts will be given new powers to target criminals who steal vehicles using electronic devices, including ‘signal jammers’, along with the organised groups that manufacture and supply these devices.
The most common way theft from a vehicle – or the theft of the vehicle itself – occurs is with the use of these electronic devices, with keyless repeaters and signal amplifiers being used to scramble the signal from remote locking devices.
According to the 2022-23 Crime Survey for England and Wales, an offender manipulated a signal from a remote locking device in 40% of vehicle thefts. There were also 732,000 incidents of vehicle-related theft in the year ending September 2024.
The Metropolitan Police Service estimates that, in London, signal jammers are used in approximately 60% of vehicle thefts.
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Previously, prosecution for handling these devices was only possible if it could be proved by police that they had been used to commit a specific crime. But under the new laws, anyone who is found in possession of certain devices, or to have imported, made, adapted or distributed them, could receive a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
The burden of proof will fall on the owner to prove they were using the device for a legitimate purpose to avoid being prosecuted.
‘We welcome the Government’s action’
Diana Johnson, minister for policing, crime and fire prevention, said: “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.
“We will also continue to work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, which includes supporting their National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership, which brings together the police and manufacturers to clamp down on vehicle crime.”
A significant proportion of vehicle theft is driven by organised crime groups, as there is a demand for stolen vehicles, making it a highly attractive and lucrative way for criminals to gain profit.
Organised criminals are constantly trying to find ways to overcome security measures on vehicles, even in the latest models, by exploiting vulnerabilities in vehicles and new technologies.
Simon Williams, RAC’s head of policy, said: “With Government statistics showing an average of 370 vehicles being stolen every day, outlawing the possession and distribution of signal jammers cannot come soon enough, and we welcome the Government’s action on this.
“Having your car stolen is not only a violation, it causes massive amounts of stress and inconvenience, as well as higher insurance costs for the individual concerned and drivers generally.”
