Theft of Land Rover, Bruerm

Theft of Land Rover, Bruerm

Over night between the 23rd and 24th of August in Bruern, thieves have stolen a Land Rover without the offenders having access to the vehicle’s keys.

The circumstances suggest that the vehicle may have been targeted using a relay attack, a method commonly associated with the theft of keyless-entry vehicles.

What is a relay attack?

A relay attack allows criminals to capture and extend the signal from a keyless car key inside your home.

Using electronic equipment, one offender may stand close to the property and pick up the signal being transmitted by the key. This signal is then relayed to another device positioned near the vehicle, effectively tricking the vehicle into believing the genuine key is nearby.

This can allow offenders to unlock and, on some vehicles, start the car without physically possessing the key.

How can you protect your vehicle?

Use a Faraday pouch – Store keyless keys, including spare keys, inside a good-quality signal-blocking pouch. Check regularly that it still blocks the signal.

Keep keys away from doors and windows – Don’t leave keys near the front door, hallway or windows where their signal may be easier to detect.

Use a steering-wheel lock – A visible physical security device can be an effective additional deterrent.

Consider an aftermarket immobiliser – Systems requiring a unique PIN or sequence before the vehicle can be driven provide another layer of protection.

Use a vehicle tracker – A professionally fitted tracker can assist in locating a vehicle if it is stolen.

Check your vehicle settings – Some manufacturers allow the keyless-entry function to be disabled when it isn’t required.

Layer your security – Don’t rely solely on the vehicle’s factory-fitted security. Combining electronic and physical security makes the vehicle harder to steal.

Install CCTV which looks over your drive way.

Please take a few minutes to review how you store your vehicle keys, particularly if you own a keyless-entry vehicle.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles or properties, please report it to police. If you believe a vehicle theft is taking place at that moment, call 999.

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Message Sent By
Wesley Smith
(Police, PCSO, Cherwell and West)