I guess you’re here because you want to know a little bit more about keeping your Range Rover secure. Even though recent reports suggest that car theft rates have dropped, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. After all, owning a Range Rover can make you a target, and it’s worth taking some simple steps to protect your vehicle. Thankfully, it doesn’t take much to boost your car’s security—even basic precautions can deter all but the most determined thieves.
Recent statistics on Range Rover thefts
Previous publicity stemmed 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.
The reported issues prompted Jaguar Land Rover to take action and launch a £10 million programme last year to retrofit its latest security technology to older vehicles. This impacts models going back to 2018 and runs through the JLR dealer network.
Things are now turning around, with Jaguar Land Rover saying that theft rates on its newer vehicles are significantly lower. According to Police National Computer (PNC) data, since January 2022, just 0.2% of new Range Rovers and Range Rover Sports have been stolen, with only 0.3% of new Defenders affected since its launch in 2020.
In October 2023, JLR launched Jaguar Insurance and Land Rover Insurance to help owners get more competitive cover, especially for those eyeing Range Rover insurance. They’ve already dished out over 46,300 quotes, but with an average premium of £183 per month, it’s worth shopping around to see if it really is the best deal.
Common theft methods
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.
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? Fear not 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.
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. A quality CCTV system will also ensure there’s a record of your car.
Best security camera for keeping your Range Rover secure
The Solocam S340 by Eufy Security is one of the best out there. The image is crystal clear, you can adjust the positioning of the camera, and the app is a breeze to use for the average buyer. The build quality of it is also top-notch, and with a bit of time and tools, it's also very easy to install, thanks to a bracket and a few screws.
The only gripe we have against it is the fact that movement is captured very sensitively - which meant that during our long-term test, we had to delete unwanted footage every day in order to maintain storage.
Pros
- Top build quality and materials, meaning it can withstand being ourdoors for a long time
- Solar panel adds wireless and eco-friendly means of powering it, which can reduce your electrical bills
- Image is crystal clear in both the night and daytime
Cons
- Movement can be very sensitive to the camera, which can be annoying
Best budget security camera
It's also very easy to use. Thanks to the lack of wires, installation is super-easy, and all you really have to do is ensure the solar panel is facing towards the sun and remember to wipe that panel once every so often. It only requires three plastic pieces to be attached, some drilling and screwing to the mounting point, and you're ready to go. It's just like it's a bigger S340 sibling.
It does, however, lack a few features which we would've liked - such as a spotlight. But overall, we liked the way it performed, and it's one of our top recommended cameras that we've tested.
Pros
- Very easy to install, thanks to minimal components and wiring
- Great build quality and materials, like its Solocam S340 sibling
- Great value for money in both purchase and with no monthly subscription
Cons
- Solar panel will need cleaning once every so often, as it can gather dust
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.
The best steering wheel lock
We've tested the Gold Edition and found it to be a bulky, but incredibly effective way of keeping your vehicle secure. It feels durable, hardcore, and heavy-duty and there's no way in which you could lock it by accident. It is quite a large item, which can make things slightly more awkward when fitting to certain cars, and ideally, you wouldn't want it without the storage bag or wheel cover to prevent damage to your vehicle's cabin.
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. For even more toughness, Disklok also make the recently-launched Diamond Edition.
Pros
- Highly visible, making it a strong visual deterrent
- Tough, difficult-to-defeat materials and accredited by Sold Secure and Secure by Design
- Much tougher than other steering wheel locks on the market
Cons
- Can be difficult to store in the car due to sheer size
- Installing it may require the driver's door to be open, which could be awkward in tight parking spaces
The best visual deterrent
For one thing, it's light at just under 2.5kg, meaning it's easier to carry around and install on your wheel than the Disklok and fits onto pretty much any steering wheel. It's a bit of a faff that it sits best when the wheel is at an angle, but this didn't detract points from an otherwise very effective deterrent. It can supposedly last up to 300 seconds worth of breaking, and it's been verified by Sold Secure, which adds a good sense of reassurance.
This Milenco 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 Milenco with a laptop.
Pros
- A good visual deterrent that's been verified by Sold Secure for reassurance
- Easy to fit, thanks to slim design and easy locking mechanism
- Can be used daily and easier than others to carry around
Cons
- Not quite as durable as the Disklok unit
- Steering wheel should ideally be at an angle for the best fit
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.
The best tracking system
The great thing about Rewire 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. However, it's important you check with your insurer if this can apply to your policy after installation.
Pros
- Price includes professional fitting, which is handy and stress-free
- UK insurance approved, meaning you could get a reduction in your premium
- Could be the difference between locating a stolen car or having it lost forever
Cons
- Subscription required, which can take away the value-for-money aspect
- Isn't quite as good value (initial purchase) as a magnetic car tracker
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. Pricing is flexible, depending on what plan you go for.
Pros
- Easy to install, thanks to magnetic nature - and can be hidden in your vehicle
- App is easy to use, which is reassuring to users
- Suitable for trucks and lorries as well as cars
Cons
- Pay-as-you-go fee required, which does take away the value-for-money side of things
- Will need to be recharged up to two months at a time
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.
The best faraday box and pouch bundle
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. This bundle is one of the best examples on the market, and should serve anything from a single vehicle to a fleet of them very neatly.
Pros
- Larger size for multiple fobs, should you have a fleet of vehicles
- Comes with a pouch, which is useful for carrying the key around
- A very effective signal blocker for modern keyless go vehicles
Cons
- The pouch isn't as strong as the box, nor as sizeable
- Carrying a key in the pouch could take up large amounts of pocket or bag room
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 foolproof, but combining those listed above can significantly reduce theft risk and make your Range Rover less appealing to potential thieves. Additionally, ensure you stay up to date with local crime trends and take the necessary precautions.
FAQs
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Can I install additional security features on my Range Rover?
Yes absolutely, installing features such as dashcams, advanced alarm systems and GPS tracking devices can provide extra protection against and increase the chances of recovering your vehicle if its ever stolen.
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Will additional security features lower my insurance premium on my Range Rover?
Yes, adding extra security features like advanced alarms, immobilizers, or GPS trackers to your Range Rover could help lower your insurance premium. Insurers often reward enhanced security with discounts, so it's worth checking with your provider to see what might qualify.
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What is the cheapest anti-theft protection I can get for my Range rover?
The most cost-effective anti-theft protection for your Range Rover is a good old-fashioned steering wheel lock. It's a budget-friendly option that acts as a visible deterrent, making your vehicle less appealing to thieves. Pair it with a key signal-blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday pouch, to guard against keyless entry theft. Together, these measures provide solid protection without breaking the bank.
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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