BRITISH drivers can now lock up their cars using the world's first fingerprint steering lock.
The groundbreaking technology aims to combat against keyless thieves, who can usually gain access to the most secure motors in seconds.
Sold by Halfords, the Fingerprint T-Bar Steering Lock is the world's first security clamp activated by a driver's fingerprint.
The device can be unlocked in seconds by placing a finger over the sensor, meaning there is no keys to lose or locks to pick.
The new lock uses a sequence of actions to store an owner's fingerprint when setting it up.
It can even hold up to 20 different prints at one time, so family and friends can also access the steering wheel.
And these can even be deleted and replaced when required.
The £59.99 lock can fit a range of steering wheels, including those with air bags.
Drivers can charge the lock via a USB port, with it needing to be recharged every six months.
The release of the fingerprint mechanism comes after criminals across the country have begun using keyless techniques to steal vehicles.
Using simple tech – known as a relay amplifier or relay transmitter – thieves can lengthen the signal produced by your fob and trick your car into thinking the key is nearby.
Once in the car, thieves can quickly change the settings of your system and drive off undetected – taking as little as 10 seconds.
Pavan Sondhi, car crime expert at Halfords, said: "While the humble steering lock remains an extremely effective and visual deterrent to car thieves, we couldn’t help but give the thumbs up to upgrading this classic security device.
"By adding biometric technology to this old-school solution we are creating another barrier against the latest relay theft techniques and making it harder for thieves to get through that last line of defence."
It's not the first time a car manufacturer has armed themselves with advanced security systems in a bid to defend against keyless theft.
Some automakers are now using sleeping fobs to protect their models, while others are using a pin code system.
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