Advice after Keyless Vehicle Thefts

After a recent spate of “keyless” thefts of vehicles across Cleveland, drivers are being reminded to store digital key fobs securely.

Predominantly the incidents happen between 10pm and 6am.

Ford Fiesta’s are one of the main cars stolen, with Range Rovers and other Ford vehicles also targeted.

Whilst officers continue to gather intelligence and work to identify those responsible, we would remind drivers to keep taking steps to help protect their vehicles.

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. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry.

Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.

Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.  

We would urge motorists to take all possible steps to protect their vehicles, including:

- When at home keep your car key/fob (and any spare) well away from the car.

- Consider buying a Faraday pouch or similar to keep your car key/fob in. These pouches contain signal-blocking materials that stop your key transmitting its code, preventing crooks from being able to detect and amplify the signal. Check your manual or speak to your dealer to find out if your key can be switched off.

- Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second-hand car.

- Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away.

For further information on this or other crime prevention advice, please contact 101 to speak to your local crime prevention officer or visit our website to access all aspects of crime prevention advice: www.cleveland.police.uk