Decreasing dealership vehicle theft risks –  an in-depth guide 

Car theft is shifting gears, and dealerships need to keep up. 

In 2025, thieves aren’t just smashing windows – they’re using key cloning, relay attacks, and hacking smart vehicle systems.

Electric vehicles (EVs) bring new challenges, too. With keyless entry and over-the-air updates, they’re targets for digital theft. High-value batteries also make them attractive to criminals looking to strip and sell parts. 

For dealerships, it’s more important than ever to have a solid security plan in place. That means secure key tracking, controlled access, and real-time monitoring to stay in the driver’s seat when it comes to car security.

The main vehicle security issues a dealership will face

    2. Key mismanagement

When keys aren’t properly tracked, it’s only a matter of time before things go wrong. A misplaced key can mean a missing vehicle, delays in getting cars to customers, or even a security breach. 

Whether it’s a key left on a desk, handed off without a record, or completely lost, poor key management creates unnecessary stress. With KEYper’s key cabinets, you get a secure, automated solution that keeps your keys exactly where they should be.

        2. Unauthorized access

Without strict controls in place, unauthorized individuals can easily take vehicles, leading to potential theft, misuse, or even accidents. 

Whether it’s a staff member who shouldn’t have access or a visitor who finds a way to slip by, the lack of proper security can leave your vehicles vulnerable. With KEYper’s key and asset control solutions, only authorized staff can access vehicle keys, reducing the risk of theft or misuse. PINs, RFID cards, or biometric authentication ensure that every key is accounted for, while audit logs track exactly who took what and when.

        3 After-hours break-ins

After-hours break-ins are a big concern for dealerships, as empty lots and showrooms become prime targets for organized crime. 

Criminals take advantage of reduced security, leading to stolen vehicles, parts, or valuable inventory. To help dealerships manage vehicle access securely, even outside business hours, KEYper has partnered with Sharebox, a leading provider of self-service kiosks and digital solutions. Sharebox systems offer digitally verified and recorded transactions, ensuring both security and efficiency.

        4. Poor surveillance

Blind spots in CCTV coverage can leave dealerships vulnerable, giving criminals the chance to operate undetected. 

That’s why KEYper has partnered with iDter to offer MX customers Niō, an intelligent deterrence and monitoring solution. Niō detects intrusions instantly, activating floodlights, sirens, and alerts while providing real-time visibility through iDter’s mobile app.

        5. Test driver fraud

With high-value vehicles at stake, it’s crucial to have a system in place to verify customer identities and track keys. KEYper’s secure key management solutions ensure that only authorized individuals can access keys, adding an extra layer of protection against fraudulent test drives and vehicle theft.

        6. Lack of real-time tracking

Without real-time monitoring, security breaches can go unnoticed for hours – or even days – giving thieves plenty of time to disappear with stolen vehicles or parts. Dealerships need instant visibility over key access and vehicle movement to catch suspicious activity before it becomes a bigger problem. 

KEYper’s key and asset management systems provide real-time tracking and alerts, so you always know who accessed what, when, and where

        7. Protecting high-value parts

Parts and EV battery theft is becoming a growing problem for dealerships. High-value components like catalytic converters, infotainment systems, and EV batteries make vehicles prime targets for criminals looking to strip and resell parts. Without proper tracking and security, stolen parts can be gone before anyone even notices.

        8. Lack of staff training

Without clear security protocols, regular training, and proper audit logs, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. Whether it’s unintentional negligence or internal theft, a lack of accountability can put your vehicles and assets at risk.

What should an optimized security setup look like for a modern dealership?  

      1. Intelligent key and asset management

Lost or mishandled keys can lead to theft and operational headaches. A system like KEYper key and asset control ensures that only authorized personnel can access vehicle keys, with automatic logs to track who took what and when.

        2. Advanced surveillance and intrusion deterrence

Standard CCTV isn’t always enough. Gaps in coverage can leave dealerships vulnerable. KEYper’s partnership with iDter offers Niō, an AI-powered deterrence system that recognizes intruders and responds instantly with floodlights, sirens, and real-time alerts – stopping criminals before they act.

        3. Secure after-hours handover

Not all customers can visit during business hours, and unsecured vehicle pickups can be a security risk. The KEYper – Sharebox partnership provides a self-service kiosk solution, allowing safe, digital key handovers with full transaction tracking.

        4. Real-time tracking and alerts

Security breaches can happen fast, and delayed responses make things worse. Smart security systems with real-time alerts, GPS tracking, and automated logs help dealerships react instantly to unauthorized access or missing vehicles.

        5. Strong internal policies

Even the best tech won’t help if security procedures are weak. A strong setup includes regular audits, restricted access policies, and staff training on fraud prevention. KEYper’s audit logs and tracking systems provide the accountability needed to reduce internal risks.

Speak to our team 

Blind spots in dealership security setups are as common as misplaced keys – easy to overlook until there’s an incident. 

A missing vehicle, an unauthorized test drive, or a security breach can happen in seconds without the right protections.

Bringing security gaps back into focus takes time, but the right systems make it simple. 

Our team can help identify risks, streamline key management, and put real-time monitoring in place, so you’re always in control. 

Whether it’s secure key tracking, advanced deterrence solutions, or a fully integrated security setup, we’ll help you build a system that works seamlessly for your dealership.