Copying a key fob signal and stealing a car can happen in 20 to 30 seconds, according to the Master Locksmiths Association in Warwickshire, England.

Car thieves have learned to exploit keyless vehicles' more advanced systems to unlock and start them without having the wireless key fob nearby, but there are ways to protect your car.

For example, some manufacturers, such as Ford, are combating relay theft by fitting key fobs with motion sensors that put them into “sleep mode” if they haven’t moved in several seconds.

Ford thinks it has a solution to prevent the most common theft method, called the key fob relay attack.