Between 8PM on Sunday 15th December and 7AM on Monday 16th December 2024 two vehicles in the West Moors area were stolen. Both vehicles are keyless and offenders have not gained entry into the addresses to access keys on either occasion.

Vehicles fitted with keyless entry are susceptible to a type of theft called ‘relay theft’.

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. 

Any vehicle that uses keyless entry is at risk of relay theft. 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.  It can take less than two minutes for thieves to gain full access to your vehicle.

Your vehicle is most vulnerable overnight, particularly if parked on your driveway or directly outside your home where most of these thefts occurs.

How to protect your keyless entry car

Additional physical security such as locks and immobilisers are still highly recommended.

For more information on preventing car and vehicle theft visit: https://www.dorset.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/