Local Priorities Vehicle Crime - theft from / theft of Message

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Vehicle Crime - theft from / theft of, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

STOLEN MOTORBIKES
2 motorbikes were stolen in the early hours of Sunday 6th September at around 2am, from Ballybeen Square and Ballybeen Park, Dundonald. There were two males involved, captured on CCTV wearing motorbike helmets at one of the thefts.

There has been an increasing number of motorbike thefts in the district recently. You may not be able to prevent the theft of your motorbike completely, but you can certainly reduce the chances of this happening by;
- using heavy duty locks and chains to secure your bike to an immovable ground anchor or lampost, through the frame, not just the wheel
- using a disc lock
- Installing Thatcham-approved alarms and immobilisers
- Locking the handlebar/steering in place every time you park, to make it harder to roll or steer the bike away
- parking in well-lit areas, under bright street lights and within the range of security cameras
- using CCTV at your home
- keeping your motorbike out of sight at home
- Facing the bike inward, parking tight against a wall, making access difficult
- having a GPS tracker fitted


If you have information that could lead to the recovery of these motorbikes, we are keen to hear from you.
If you have CCTV or can assist in identifying the two individuals concerned, please contact Police on 101, or via the online reporting tool, quoting serial CC2026090600491.

For most of us, our vehicle is the second largest purchase we make after our home, so it is important to make sure you do all you can to keep it secure. The security features of your vehicle should be as important as any other feature or accessory.

Having your vehicle broken into or stolen can be distressing, annoying and it can cause a lot of inconvenience if you are without it while it is being repaired or replaced.

Below we have listed a few simple steps you can take to keep your vehicle and what's in it, safe.

Lock your vehicle

Develop the habit of always locking your vehicle, even if you're stepping away for a brief moment. Whether refuelling or quickly retrieving something from your house, it's crucial not to overlook the security of your vehicle. Ensure that you properly lock your vehicle, especially if it has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked. Criminal gangs specifically target vehicles with extended wing mirrors, as it indicates that the vehicle has been left unlocked. Stay vigilant and protect your vehicle from potential theft by taking this simple yet effective precaution.

Keep your vehicle in a garage

If you have a garage “use it” and lock it. If you have gates ensure these are locked. Consider using an alarm for you garage and gates.

Keep your keys safe

Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach. A common way to steal a car or van is to take the keys or ignition fob, either when left in the vehicle or from your home through burglary.

Keyless car theft

Vehicles fitted with a smart or passive key are susceptible to keyless car theft, also known as 'relay theft'. This key system allows you to gain entry and start your vehicle without the need to interact with your vehicle’s key.

Keyless car 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. Criminals use specialist equipment that has the ability to grab the signal from the car to the smart key so that it appears to the car that the key is present. Your vehicle is most vulnerable overnight, particularly if parked on your driveway or directly outside your home.

How to prevent keyless car theft

• When not in use – either at home or when out and about, store your keys (including spare keys!) in a security pouch. Security pouches are sometimes termed 'Faraday bags' or signal blockers/shields and there are many security rated versions on the market. These will prevent the signal from your vehicle being captured using electronic devices.
• Keep updated with latest software: Many manufacturers are now updating their in-car security systems to stay ahead of these attacks.

For more advice on preventing keyless car theft, visit our dedicated webpage at www.psni.police.uk/keyless-car-theft

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.psni.police.uk/ or call the non-emergency number 101. 

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