An increase in keyless car theft, also known as relay theft, is being seen across the county and the UK.
During 2022/23 there were approximately 480 incidents of keyless car thefts in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, this is up from around 135 in 2021/22.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary would like to encourage owners of keyless vehicles to take extra precautions to prevent becoming a victim to this crime, particularly owners of high value keyless cars.
Thieves are able to connect to the key’s signal from outside the property to trick the car into unlocking and the ignition starting, this is done with a device that doesn’t need entry into the owner’s home. It doesn’t take long for this to happen, up to 2 minutes in total, and often the owner has no idea it’s happening until it’s too late.
There are a number of steps you can take to protect your vehicle, but it’s important to use a combination of methods and utilise locks and other items to deter thieves and protect yourself to the greatest extent possible.
To protect your vehicle from being stolen, you can:
- Keep keys out of sight and away from doors and windows
- Use a signal blocking pouch, known as a Faraday Bag, to store your keys
- Turn off your Keyless Fob’s Wireless Signal
- Use a tested and approved Steering Wheel /Pedal / Gear Lock as a deterrent
- Tracking devices can help track down your vehicle and the perpetrator should it be taken
- Check with your manufacturer to make sure your car is as secure as it can be
- Re-programme your keys if you buy a second hand car
- Park securely or use your garage if you have one
- Use CCTV and lighting.
Chief Inspector Scott Johnson, Tactical Lead for Serious and Organised Acquisitive Crime, said:
“Keyless car thefts have increased significantly over the last year. The modus operandi and technology used by the organised criminals committing these crimes means that cars are taken quickly and opportunities to disrupt them are slim.
Article continues below this advertisement “Patrolling officers will be familiar with the equipment used when stopping and searching cars and will be vigilant for ‘mission cars’, typically unremarkable saloon cars with multiple occupants, especially if seen overnight in residential areas where target vehicles might be located.”
Residents can report keyless car theft to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary by calling 101 or by reporting it online.
No point in calling 101, they never answer
101 is a total farce
Best thing to do is to leave a hungry Doberman in the car, see if it disappears then. Oh, but who would plod nick if the thieving piece of scum got bitten? YOU of course!
You’d be nicked for animal cruelty long before that.
Plus the inside of the car would be an absolute wreck when the angry mutt shreds it.
But you go ahead.
Or just park it along Great Preston Road outside the council houses
no one will take it.
There’s been an old van parked there for 5 months with no Mot
Island Toads & their Ryde Useless District Steward know it’s there but have done
nothing about it!
So that’s probably a good option.
They could not prevent a common cold on the Island
Useless Bustards
Very annoying when returning from an hard days graft and cannot park my
own vehicle.
It’s been outside 117 Great Preston Rd for months.
It’s about time the Council done something about it.
Why do we pay our council tax?
1.We are talking about WIRELESS thefts!!
2.Yes this would work. However if the hacker is already sat outside your house when you arrive home they will intercept the required information making this idea useless.
3.Not aware of any keys that do this but could be wrong, not something you can do with a ford key.
4.This would work but we should be leaning on the car manufacturers for such a poor design of security at this point.
5.True, but you’d be lucky to engage the police into an active crime.
6.Judging by the lack of re-calls they aren’t bothered.
7.Waste of time if we are talking about wireless car thefts and very expensive.
8.A luxury
9.Doesn’t stop the theft
So yeah great advise
Prevent crime, they cannot even stop persons letting their
Dogs Sh*t on pavements or Beaches