Humberside Crime Prevention Partnership

Humberside Crime Prevention Partnership

Dear Resident,

One of the methods used by thieves to steal vehicles is called a relay theft. This is a method that can only be used on keyless entry vehicles, so vehicles that don't require a key in the ignition to start them and normally have a stop/start button.

There is lots of information on the internet that shows offenders commit a relay theft, and I feel that it is best to provide that information to vehicle owners so preventative measures can be taken.

This is how it's done --

One person uses a device to locate the signal being sent from the key, which is normally inside a property, away from the vehicle. The key will continually be sending out this signal unless it is blocked.

Once the signal; has been located, the device sends the signal to a second device, that is able to trick the vehicle into thinking the keys are outside the vehicle, so it is able to be unlocked.

Once the second device is inside the vehicle, the system thinks that the key is inside, so the engine can then be started, with all the security measures being turned off.

Once the vehicle is started, the engine will not turn off if the signal is lost, this is for safety reasons. The vehicle can then be driven away without the thieves ever having hold of the key.

You may believe that because your keys are inside your property, the signal will not reach your vehicle, try unlocking your vehicle when the keys are inside, and you will be surprised how far away the keys can be, and still unlock it.

The good news is this type of theft can be prevented.

Place all the keys for the vehicle into a faraday pouch/s, this will block the signal from the keys and ultimately prevent a relay theft taking place. We recommend Secured by Design approved faraday pouches.

Make sure the signal is being blocked, by trying to unlock your car when the keys are inside the pouch. If the signal is being blocked, you won't be able to unlock it.

Consider using a steering wheel lock in addition to the faraday pouch. This adds a visual form of additional security. We recommend Secured by Design approved locks.

I hope you find this information useful, if there are any recommendations for future crime prevention messages, please let me know.

Feel free to share this message or post on social media. Further crime prevention advice is available on the Secured by Design website.

Regards

Jamie

Crime Reduction

Humberside Police

To report a crime NOT ongoing please use this link: https://www.humberside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/?tid=1477300&lid=&cid=&rid=71430&stepid=1

To share community partnership intelligence, please use this link: https://www.humberside.police.uk/partners/partner-services/community-partner-intelligence/v2/share-community-partnership-intelligence/

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Jamie Steel
(Humberside Police, Crime Reduction Officer, Community Safety Unit)

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