The UK Government is considering an outright ban on signal jamming devices, as figures show rising misuse by car thieves, shoplifters and burglars.

The potential crackdown on radio frequency jammers, which are designed or modified to block or interfere with wireless communications, follows a near fourfold increase in the use of signal manipulation techniques for car thefts, with electronic devices now thought to play a role in four out of ten vehicle thefts. 

The government warned that misuse of these gadgets is now taking place at all levels of criminal activity, with radiofrequency jammers often being disguised as everyday objects like digital watches.

However, these tools allow criminals the chance to break into homes by disabling security systems, such as video doorbells, or bypassing vehicle security systems, and can even aid shoplifters by blocking wireless security tags, preventing alarms.

Additionally, jammers can interfere with mobile coverage and emergency radio networks, hindering the systems that emergency services use to respond to incidents.

While the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 already bans the use and possession of non-compliant equipment, proving the misuse of a signal jammer has historically been difficult because the devices leave no physical evidence of use and are often only active for seconds, making it hard for police to tie a specific device to a crime.

That prompted the government to introduce changes under the Crime and Policing Bill (2025), with the burden of proof now reversed – anyone found in possession of a signal jammer, or found to have imported, made, adapted or distributed them, is in line for a five-year prison sentence and unlimited fine.

While those measures were only set out in February, concerns surrounding the impact of signal jamming equipment have only risen, with the government saying that just one week’s disruption to the UK’s positioning, navigation and timing infrastructure caused by these devices could cost the economy up to £7.62 billion. 

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In response, the government is seeking views from the public and industry on the harms caused by illegal use and possession of radiofrequency jammers, and how effective current laws and regulations are proving.

The government hopes that insights gained will inform future legislation on the possession of all other types of jamming, and clarify the legitimate uses of radiofrequency jammers.

“By gathering a broad range of informed opinions, we can make sure any future measures we introduce are rooted in evidence and address the real issues people area facing,” said UK telecoms minister, Liz Lloyd.

“This is an opportunity for the public and industry experts to have their say on how we safeguard our homes, businesses, transport networks and more from those seeking to exploit these technologies.”