This technology means car keys don’t need to be stored in a Faraday pouch, but the company still recommends owners use the JLR app to make use of vehicle lock reminders and Guardian Mode, which sends an alert if there’s any “unauthorised interaction” with the car.
Another part of JLR’s investment in improved security is ensuring log-in details of the InControl app, which allows remote access to the vehicle, are being correctly transferred to new owners.
JLR UK managing director Patrick McGillcycuddy said: “While vehicle theft in the UK is affecting the whole car industry, at JLR we understand the negative impact this can have on the ownership experience for our clients.
“Our investment of more than £10m demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tackling this issue.
“Through our long-standing collaboration with law enforcement and key partners, our expert team will continue to develop and deploy effective anti-theft measures to ensure clients are protected. It’s my personal priority.”
Other Jaguar and Land Rover models aren’t mentioned in the official statement, but a company spokesperson told Autocar that “these nameplates are benefitting from the roll-out of updates” as well.
JLR says that its newer vehicles (built from 2022 onwards) are much more secure, because they use ultra-wide-band technology, meaning they aren’t susceptible to ‘relay attacks’, whereby criminals intercept and clone the signal from a remote car key, allowing them to drive a vehicle away without forcing entry.
Since January 2022, only 0.07% of current-shape Range Rovers and Range Rover Sports have been stolen, and since the latest Land Rover Defender was introduced in 2020, JLR says, just 0.3% have been stolen – through other methods including burglary and identity fraud.
Nonetheless, the high rate of theft was having a knock-on effect on current-model Range Rovers.
Dan Adler, an investment specialist from north London, told Autocar in February that his inbound Range Rover P440e Autobiography had pushed the cost of his multi-car premiums from £5000 to £11,000, forcing him to cancel the purchase.