In a significant move to curb rising vehicle thefts, the government has announced new legislation banning the possession and distribution of electronic devices used to steal vehicles. The new law, part of the government’s wider effort to make Britain’s streets safer, will carry a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
The Home Office, alongside Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, revealed on Monday, 24 February 2025, that the new law will specifically target sophisticated electronic devices such as signal jammers, keyless repeaters, and signal amplifiers, which are used in 40% of vehicle thefts across England and Wales.
Tackling Vehicle Crime at Its Source
Previously, police could only prosecute offenders if they could prove a specific crime had been committed using the devices. Under the new law, anyone found in possession of these tools—or involved in their importation, manufacturing, or distribution—can face prosecution, placing the burden of proof on the individual to demonstrate a legitimate reason for owning the device.
“These thefts have a devastating effect on victims, who need their vehicles to go about their everyday lives,” said Dame Diana Johnson. “We are introducing new laws focused on tackling this issue at its 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.”
Organised Crime and Technological Exploitation
Organised crime groups have increasingly exploited modern vehicle technology, using signal-jamming devices to intercept and scramble remote locking signals, particularly in keyless cars. The 2022-2023 Crime Survey for England and Wales revealed that 40% of vehicle thefts involved signal manipulation, with 732,000 vehicle-related theft incidents reported in the year ending September 2024.
The Metropolitan Police estimates that in London alone, signal jammers are used in 60% of car thefts, making this new legislation a critical tool in the fight against organised vehicle crime.
Industry and Law Enforcement Back the New Law
The move has been widely welcomed by police and industry experts.
ACC Jenny Sims, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vehicle crime, praised the law, stating, “These devices have no legitimate purpose, apart from assisting in criminal activity. Reducing their availability will support policing and industry in preventing vehicle theft, which is damaging to both individuals and businesses.”
RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, echoed the sentiment, noting, “With government statistics showing an average of 370 vehicles stolen every day, outlawing the possession and distribution of signal jammers cannot come soon enough. This is a vital step in helping protect car owners.”
AA President Edmund King also welcomed the tougher sentences, adding, “Relay theft and signal jamming are all too frequent. These measures will give police forces more opportunities to tackle car crime and hopefully make would-be thieves think twice.”
Next Steps in Legislation
The new measures will be introduced as part of the government’s flagship Crime and Policing Bill, which will be presented to Parliament on Tuesday. Alongside empowering police to act more decisively, the government will continue working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership to enhance cooperation between law enforcement and vehicle manufacturers.
As the government cracks down on the tools enabling modern vehicle theft, it urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the sale or possession of signal jammers and similar devices.
