Police warning after spate of keyless car thefts in Norfolk
Appeal for information after a number of vehicles stolen.
Police are appealing for information following a spate of keyless car thefts in Watton and Attleborough.
The following vehicles were stolen between Wednesday 3rd February and Sunday 20th March, access to all of them was gained by a remote device.
- Grey Ford Focus (FJ67 VMY), Neaton Business Park, Watton - between 3rd Feb and 6th March
- Blue Ford Fiesta (AW15 HJX), Merton Road, Watton - 11th Feb between 1.50pm and 2pm
- Blue Ford Fiesta (V015 FDE), Threxton Road, Watton - 18th March at around 1.30pm
- Grey Mini Clubman, (E066 WLW), Orchard Close, Attleborough - between 9pm 20th March and 6.30am 21st March
PC Austin Clarke, beat manager at Breckland, said: "We are urging car owners to be vigilant as we believe these vehicles were stolen using a remote device and may be linked.
"There are a number of steps you can take to help prevent keyless thefts and reduce the risks of becoming a victim of this type of crime which we outline in our tips below."
Increase in use of technology for car thefts
Norfolk Police says it's seen a rise in the number of thieves using sophisticated technology to get into cars which have keyless entry or start buttons.
It says when the correct fob is close by, the fob recognises the signal and transmits its own code, instructing the vehicle to unlock the doors and to allow the ignition to work on the car.
Thieves use wireless transmitters to capture its radio transmission.
This is relayed on to another device, which then allows the thief to open and start the car.
Top tips for preventing keyless theft
Following the rise in keyless thefts being reported in Norfolk, local police have issued some top tips for car owners to try and prevent theft:
- Use a car key signal blocker cases/sleeves, they cost less than ÂŁ10, or an aluminium tin at home
- Find a safe place for your keys at home and check to ensure they are out of range
- Use a good quality crook lock or full cover steering wheel security lock to immobilise your vehicle
- Consider fitting an 'OBD safe' device, a secure lockable device that fits over the whole vehicle's on board diagnostic port, in the vehicle cabin. This prevents criminals using software to code an electronic key for the vehicle
- If your vehicle is fitted with on board wi-fi consider switching it off if you do not need it, which will reduce the chance of criminals hacking into the vehicles' system; your banking details or personal data from linked devices
- Criminals can also employ remote/keyless entry jamming equipment, so make sure your car is locked physically by trying the door handle and viewing the indicators flash, before leaving it
Anyone with information about the thefts mentioned above are asked to call 101.