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Increase in keyless car thefts in the Banbury area
28/02/2024
Relay devices are being used to trick keyless cars into unlocking and starting
Thames Valley Police say they are seeing an increase in keyless car thefts in our area.
Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag and there is no need to push a button to get the car to open.
Thieves can wander close to a house where the car’s keys are stored and attempt to pick up the key signal. They then use a relay device to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.
Criminals only need to be within a few metres of a car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. Police warn this means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves could still unlock, start and steal your vehicle.
Car owners are being warned to take precautions. The key’s signal can be blocked by placing it in a metal tin or a signal-blocking pouch. Alternatively the vehicle could be blocked in by a second vehicle which doesn’t have keyless entry.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam