How Secure Are MG Cars?

[MG4cherry]

I worked in a Citroen dealership for 14 years and never heard of a Citroen being stolen. One customer had two Mercs stolen so bought a Citroen, problem solved. Simples!

 

[EV convert]

I have taken the rather retro step of etching the number plate into the front and rear screens plus the side windows. The markings are highlighted on the side windows and if a thief wants to steal my car to sell on, then to prevent the new 'owner' (or a mechanic when it goes for an MOT) finding out the car's true identity, they will either have to polish out all the etchings or replace all the glass. I'm sure most thieves (and/or their partners in crime) would know this and find an easier target.

 

[Kayged]

I have just read an article in today's The Observer with the headline Gone in 20 seconds: how ‘smart keys’ have fuelled a new wave of car crime .

MG models were not mentioned but I see no reason to think they too have not been stolen by thieves able to emulate the electronic codes that open doors and allow driving.

Has anyone experienced a theft or attempted theft using an emulator?
Any suggestions, other than adding a bar lock to the steering wheel, to reduce the chances of such theft?

If anyone from MG or its dealer network reads this, I would appreciate a response from the company.

I've left mine unlocked for 2 days outside my house by accident and nobody bothered with it. They probably think, chinese MG, who would want one lol (I do)

 

[NeilF]

I can definitely recommend this key box that we use. It’s perfect for all your car keys and stops any chance of theft using the relay.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CJ4X7W5N/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_0C82N1GSHGB0TABGZR2F?linkCode=ml1&tag=fedweb-21

 

[Coulomb]

https://********3TnQQzu

You seem to have posted an abbreviated URL, which doesn't work.

 

[NeilF]

You seem to have posted an abbreviated URL, which doesn't work.

Thanks for letting me know. I have updated the link

 

[ozzz]

I can definitely recommend this key box that we use. It’s perfect for all your car keys and stops any chance of theft using the relay.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CJ4X7W5N/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_0C82N1GSHGB0TABGZR2F?linkCode=ml1&tag=fedweb-21

View attachment 24531

I bought a faraday key box on temu $20 , did a test next to car with keys in box then opened the lid car unlocked so it works and it came with two portable key fob holders .

 

[NeilF]

I bought a faraday key box on temu $20 , did a test next to car with keys in box then opened the lid car unlocked so it works and it came with two portable key fob holders .

Funny, I did exactly the same test. ?

Sat in the car with the key in the box and the MG4 said “key not present”. Opened the box and took the key out and like magic the key’s seen by the car. I just wanted to be 100% sure that it worked.

 

[Gomev]

Simple and cheap, works.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Small-Faraday-Signal-Blocking-Keyless/dp/B082VDTZ5P/ref=sr_1_5?crid=27M4MG6998ZO2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wYu8Tn7u4Nt1XUo9KnhGe4Vow7zyVC5z-a4JP8FPAc1o0yAEO_V48GOoH2a_JGKz0_5BLlvs1orLiUNeTUbJVeU1fEUDbfmrPxsrFWZfb7dc5RNCGiTD5ZbKGmIm0x9lx1FRyw15iMh5faau4ErFur_z2zFA6FfmxbD3S05PxWOubUrfsOIoc09VW5x2w1Q-qrL3dK7dn2NfTyi289Z4B2-WA5oq0MxlHGsKY_hnxiP-QxVM4dHpl-nUJT9ReYC-aGp19wTIgYw3R9sRw1i1erqwB9N6zNK1kEFtGZ4z61w.Ar2WGatjYmYA_h2uj0frZ2DDVMDMSsnlkKlJBf6X9yc&dib_tag=se&keywords=faraday%2Bpouch%2Bfor%2Bcar%2Bkeys&qid=1709465186&s=electronics&sprefix=farsda%2Celectronics%2C267&sr=1-5&th=1

 

[Lewis49]

Simple and cheap, works.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Small-Faraday-Signal-Blocking-Keyless/dp/B082VDTZ5P/ref=sr_1_5?crid=27M4MG6998ZO2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wYu8Tn7u4Nt1XUo9KnhGe4Vow7zyVC5z-a4JP8FPAc1o0yAEO_V48GOoH2a_JGKz0_5BLlvs1orLiUNeTUbJVeU1fEUDbfmrPxsrFWZfb7dc5RNCGiTD5ZbKGmIm0x9lx1FRyw15iMh5faau4ErFur_z2zFA6FfmxbD3S05PxWOubUrfsOIoc09VW5x2w1Q-qrL3dK7dn2NfTyi289Z4B2-WA5oq0MxlHGsKY_hnxiP-QxVM4dHpl-nUJT9ReYC-aGp19wTIgYw3R9sRw1i1erqwB9N6zNK1kEFtGZ4z61w.Ar2WGatjYmYA_h2uj0frZ2DDVMDMSsnlkKlJBf6X9yc&dib_tag=se&keywords=faraday%2Bpouch%2Bfor%2Bcar%2Bkeys&qid=1709465186&s=electronics&sprefix=farsda%2Celectronics%2C267&sr=1-5&th=1

I bought one from Amazon four years ago. After reading this thread I thought I'd better try it again. I stood next to the car with the key in the pouch and unlocked the car with the door button. Worn out, who knows when it stopped working.
I've put the key in a round metal sweet tin we carry in the glove box. It works fine. I won't be buying anything else.

 

[Gomev]

I bought one from Amazon four years ago. After reading this thread I thought I'd better try it again. I stood next to the car with the key in the pouch and unlocked the car with the door button. Worn out, who knows when it stopped working.
I've put the key in a round metal sweet tin we carry in the glove box. It works fine. I won't be buying anything else.

Does yours have 2 pockets ? If so One is protected and the other not so you can use the key. Mine also from 4 years ago works fine still.

 

[Lewis49]

Does yours have 2 pockets ? If so One is protected and the other not so you can use the key. Mine also from 4 years ago works fine still.

Yes, it has two pockets. Like I said it's worn out after four years use. My wife has one too. It gets little use and still works.

 

[NeilF]

Simple and cheap, works.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Small-Faraday-Signal-Blocking-Keyless/dp/B082VDTZ5P/ref=sr_1_5?crid=27M4MG6998ZO2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wYu8Tn7u4Nt1XUo9KnhGe4Vow7zyVC5z-a4JP8FPAc1o0yAEO_V48GOoH2a_JGKz0_5BLlvs1orLiUNeTUbJVeU1fEUDbfmrPxsrFWZfb7dc5RNCGiTD5ZbKGmIm0x9lx1FRyw15iMh5faau4ErFur_z2zFA6FfmxbD3S05PxWOubUrfsOIoc09VW5x2w1Q-qrL3dK7dn2NfTyi289Z4B2-WA5oq0MxlHGsKY_hnxiP-QxVM4dHpl-nUJT9ReYC-aGp19wTIgYw3R9sRw1i1erqwB9N6zNK1kEFtGZ4z61w.Ar2WGatjYmYA_h2uj0frZ2DDVMDMSsnlkKlJBf6X9yc&dib_tag=se&keywords=faraday%2Bpouch%2Bfor%2Bcar%2Bkeys&qid=1709465186&s=electronics&sprefix=farsda%2Celectronics%2C267&sr=1-5&th=1

Yes, if you just have a key to put away, but we have 4 sets of keys with several keys on and these pouches, two of which come with the box we bought, weren't big enough for us.

 

[csaszi]

One day they find the way for everything… I am using a tracker & immobiliser system since day one.

 

[MGJimmy]

I've found that scratching a gate catch down each side of the car while reversing, and scratching and crunching all four corners of the car really helps keep the thieves away. It also makes sure the residual value of the car is rock bottom, and who wouldn't want that?!?! ?

 

[Mitch AC DC]

Pouches sell for around £9.00 for 2. Hope this helps.

Bought a pouch, works well, foil envelope my coffee bags come in, works just as well!!!. Every car key in the house, now sits in those envelopes!!!.

 

[KMC]

Bought a pouch, works well, foil envelope my coffee bags come in, works just as well!!!. Every car key in the house, now sits in those envelopes!!!.

What a clever idea ! ?

 

[Worfedia]

I have just read an article in today's The Observer with the headline Gone in 20 seconds: how ‘smart keys’ have fuelled a new wave of car crime .

MG models were not mentioned but I see no reason to think they too have not been stolen by thieves able to emulate the electronic codes that open doors and allow driving.

Has anyone experienced a theft or attempted theft using an emulator?
Any suggestions, other than adding a bar lock to the steering wheel, to reduce the chances of such theft?

If anyone from MG or its dealer network reads this, I would appreciate a response from the company.

See this link security

Basically, there are three different attack approaches being used and all the EGMP based cars using NFC communication for keyless entry ans opposed to UWB (like BMW / Rober, Cupra for eg) are currently susceptible to all three approaches.

Relay Attack
The common relay attack (which is widely publicised). One device takes the signal from your key fob amplifies it and send it to another close to your car. The car simply sees the correct expected signal and opens and starts.
This can me mitigated by keeping your keys in a container that does not allow wireless signals to leak out - a Faraday box.

Key Cloning
This approach requires access to your key to simply make a digital copy, which for all intents and purposes is then identical to the original.
Careful who you give your key to.
Key Emulator
A device is placed close to the car to receive the car's signal. The device then takes between 10 and 120 second approximately to find the correct signal to unlock the car and this can then be saved for later use.
A secondary authentication system is needed to prevent the car from starting, but if this is hooked into Bluelink that can be disabled once access to the car has been gained. There's not much apart form physical krooklock type approach that can help here

I have just read an article in today's The Observer with the headline Gone in 20 seconds: how ‘smart keys’ have fuelled a new wave of car crime .

MG models were not mentioned but I see no reason to think they too have not been stolen by thieves able to emulate the electronic codes that open doors and allow driving.

Has anyone experienced a theft or attempted theft using an emulator?
Any suggestions, other than adding a bar lock to the steering wheel, to reduce the chances of such theft?

If anyone from MG or its dealer network reads this, I would appreciate a response from the company.

So basically best security measure = a Ghost Immobiliser

 

[maskull]

Just had a newsletter from Confused.com regarding car thefts . Popped in my MG 5 Exclusive and apparently there have been 32 theft claims in the UK since January 2024 and the risk factor is Very Low .
The benefits of not having a desirable marque like Range Rover,Merecedes etc?