The invention relates to a method and a device for securing a vehicle against theft. According to the invention, at least one essential operating element (2) of the vehicle can be switched between three operating states A, B and C. An external authorization device (3) switches the operating element into the unlimited operating state A. If a defined action (20) is carried out, for example the driver's door is opened, the operating element is switched into the operating state B for a defined period of time. If authorization information is transmitted during this time, the operating element is switched back to the operating state A. Otherwise, once this period of time has expired, the operating element is switched into the non-operational operating state C.