Key cloning put simply is creating a copy of the vehicles original key. A blank key is programmed to the vehicle using a key cloner or sometimes through the vehicles OBD port. If anyone has access to your vehicle or its key, service technician, aftermarket systems installer, anyone, they have the potential to clone your key/or program a new one.

Once your key has been cloned thieves will normally come back to the vehicle at a later date and steal it using that newly cloned key as your vehicle sees it as an original or authorised programmed key.

This theft method is mostly used on keyed ignition vehicles (vehicles that require a key to be inserted into the ignition barrel -not keyless) such as vans and motorhomes.

To prevent your vehicle being stolen in this way we would recommend fitting a no tag, no start system, and better still, also install an OBD port immobiliser. A No Tag/No Start system will protect against key cloning by automatically ensuring the vehicles engine remains immobilised if the supplied tag is not present. So ensures the vehicle cannot be started even with a cloned key. By installing an OBD immobiliser you prevent anyone being able to clone a key through the vehicles OBD port as well as protecting against other means of theft too.

You can read more about both recommended products here - No Tag/No Start info - OBD Port Immobiliser