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Keyless Car thefts

Alert message sent 04/09/2020 14:13:00

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Keyless Car thefts crime prevention advice

What is Keyless Car Theft?

Keyless car theft (aka Relay Theft) is where the signal from a key for a so-called “Keyless entry” car is captured by somebody standing outside the victim’s house using a device.
Step 1 – The device transmits the signal to somebody else standing by the victim’s car.

Step 2–This then fools the car into thinking the key is near it, and so it allows the doors to be opened and ignition to be started.

If you have a ‘keyless entry’ car then make sure your keys are kept well away from doors and windows.
Keep your car key in a screened box/tin/bag so that the signal can’t be ‘grabbed’ from the outside and used to open your car – and don’t forget to do the same with any spare set!
How far do thieves need to be from my car keys?

Thieves only need to be within a few metres from your car keys to capture the signal.
Prevent Keyless Car Theft …Quick Tips

To protect your keyless entry from being a victim of relay theft, here some are some quick tips:
Keep your car keys safe – Use a blocking pouch
Use a Signal Blocking Pouch (Faraday Bag)

Signal blocking pouches can stop access to your vehicle by blocking your car key fob from transmitting its code to the vehicle, as the pouches are lined with layers of metallic material.
Fact: Signal Blocking pouches are also known as Faraday Bags or Pouches
Putting your keys in a signal blocking pouch will stop any thieves from being able to amplify the signal used in relay theft.
How much do signal blocking pouches cost?
These pouches are cheap to purchase as well, they can also be used to block WI-FI and Bluetooth signals on Mobile Phones.
https://www.nnetwork.org.uk/product/signal-blocking-bag/
Turn off Keyless Fob’s Wireless Signal
Do you have a keyless fob? Wireless signals on some keyless fobs can be switched off.
To turn off you should look in your cars manual to see if you can do this.
If you can’t find anything in your manual about turning off your fob you should contact the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Use a Steering Wheel Lock or Car Alarm
Yes, we know, you threw out the wheel lock back in the 90’s.

Most modern car thieves are equipped with laptops rather than hand tools, so mechanical devices – such as steering wheel locks – can be a real deterrent.
Park defensively…
Parking your car in a garage overnight is best but if you’re parking on your driveway, park defensively i.e. as close to your property as you can so that access is made difficult.

Extra Security to Consider
Consider fitting outdoor motion detector lighting and CCTV, and if you park on the street ensure it’s in an area that is well lit.
6. Keep your vehicle tidy
We’ve all heard it, but how many still don’t follow the advice.
Make sure to keep the inside of your vehicle clear of clutter, try and hide any electrical items such as Sat Navs & Mobile phones.
Try to keep your glove box empty and why not leave your glove box open to show you’ve got nothing to hide.
Don’t forget to hide any signs of high-cost equipment as well, such as the marks that Sat-Nav suction cups leave on your windscreen!

Regards

Kingsway and Lincoln Gardens Neighbourhood team

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Message sent by

Rebecca Armstrong (Police, PC, Kingsway and Lincoln Gardens)

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