Explore Our Range of Vehicle Immobilisers
WHAT IS AN IMMOBILISER AND WHY WOULD I NEED ONE
A vehicle immobiliser is an electronic security device installed in a vehicle to prevent it from being started without the correct key or authentication. It works by disabling one or more critical systems required to start the engine, such as the fuel system, ignition, or starter motor. This makes it much harder for thieves to steal the vehicle, as they cannot simply hotwire it or use a duplicate key.
Vehicle immobilisers are commonly used as an anti-theft measure and are often integrated into modern car security systems. They can be factory-fitted by the manufacturer or added as an aftermarket accessory. Some advanced immobilisers even use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or smartphone apps for added security.
Based in St Helens, Merseyside, PL-Autotek installs aftermarket vehicle immobilisers for customers across the North West — including Liverpool, Warrington, Wigan, and beyond. Whether you drive a Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota, or a van or commercial vehicle, we can advise on and fit the right immobiliser system for your needs.
Relay Attack — Keyless Car Theft Explained
Relay attacks, also known as keyless car theft, are one of the most common methods used by modern car thieves — and they can steal your vehicle in under 30 seconds without ever touching your keys.
Here is how it works: two thieves work together. One stands close to your home with a device that captures the signal from your key fob — even through walls and doors. That signal is instantly relayed to a second thief standing next to your car. Their device tricks the car into thinking the key is present, unlocking the doors and allowing the engine to start.
No smashed windows. No forced entry. No noise. Your car is simply gone.
A Thatcham-approved immobiliser or GPS tracker with CAN bus integration stops this attack dead — the vehicle cannot be started even if the thieves get in. Call us on 07800 538658 to find out which system is right for your vehicle.
OBD Port Attack — How Thieves Clone Your Key
OBD port theft is a method where criminals use the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port — usually located under the dashboard near the driver's seat — to gain direct access to your vehicle's electronic systems.
Using specialist tools, thieves can connect to the OBD port, download the digital key data stored in your car's Engine Control Unit (ECU), and programme a blank key fob to work as a perfect copy of your original key. The whole process can take less than two minutes.
Once they have a cloned key, they can return at any time, unlock your vehicle and drive away without any signs of forced entry — leaving your insurance claim complicated and your vehicle potentially unrecoverable.
A CAN bus immobiliser such as the CAN Immo or Starline S9 protects the OBD port and prevents key data from being accessed or copied. It is one of the most effective defences against this type of attack.
NEW CAN IMMO
The NEW CAN IMMO is a high-tech security device designed to protect your vehicle from theft. Here are some key features:
- CAN/LIN Bus Communication — communicates bi-directionally over CAN and LIN bus systems, making it highly effective at preventing unauthorised access.
- Digital Immobilisation — protects against key cloning, keyless range extension, and hacking of the key code.
- Compact Design — electronics are compact, allowing for covert installation within the vehicle's wiring harness.
- Automatic Arming — the system arms itself automatically every time the ignition is switched off.
- Disarming Options — disarm using existing switches in your vehicle, or wirelessly via RF or Bluetooth.
- PIN Code Entry — requires a PIN code before each trip, similar to entering a PIN for a bank card.
- Compatibility — works with a wide range of vehicle models. Please contact us before booking to confirm suitability.