Have a keyless car? Dorset Police have advice for you
The force have released footage of an attempted theft in Poole
Dorset Police has released footage of an attempted theft of a keyless car to raise awareness and help protect motorists.
Offenders are using a device from outside a property to connect to a car key’s signal and trick the vehicle into thinking the key is nearby, meaning it will unlock automatically and the ignition can be started.
One recent attempt to used this method happened at around 2.30am on Wednesday last week (24 January) in Poole.
Two men were reported acting suspiciously outside an address, with one of them carrying a backpack on his front and holding a wire above his head to try and connect to the key’s signal.
Thankfully no entry was gained to any vehicles.
PC Harvey Trehane, of Dorset Police, said:
“We are issuing CCTV footage from the reported incident to highlight the tactics that offenders are using.
“Keyless vehicles are targeted by criminals using signal equipment and we want to raise awareness of simple steps that can be taken to protect your car.
“If you see anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles in a similar way to the footage, please contact Dorset Police.”
How to protect your keyless entry car
Here's some tips from Dorset Police:
• When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car
• Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag, and check if the bag or pouch is still working every few months
• Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second-hand car
• Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used