Crime Prevention Advice - Keyless Vehicles

Crime Prevention Advice - Keyless Vehicles

Good Morning Resident,

Many modern vehicles use keyless entry and keyless start technology, offering convenience for drivers. Unfortunately, criminals can exploit this technology to gain access to vehicles and drive them away without needing the physical key.

Understanding how keyless vehicle theft happens can help you better protect your vehicle.

🔍 How Does Keyless Vehicle Theft Work?

📡 Relay Theft Criminals use electronic devices to detect and amplify the signal from a key fob inside a house.

🚗 One offender may stand near the property while another stands near the vehicle, allowing the car to believe the key is nearby and unlock.

🔑 Once inside, the vehicle can often be started and driven away.

✅ How to Protect Your Vehicle

🔒 Keep key fobs away from doors, windows, and external walls when at home.

📦 Store keys in a signal-blocking pouch (often called a Faraday pouch) or signal-blocking box.

🔑 If your vehicle allows it, disable the keyless entry function when not in use.

🏠 Keep vehicles in a locked garage whenever possible.

📹 Consider CCTV, video doorbells, or motion-activated lighting around your property.

🚙 Use additional physical security such as a steering wheel lock. Visible security measures can make your vehicle a less attractive target.

🔄 Regularly check that your Faraday pouch or signal-blocking device is working correctly.

🚨 What to Do If Your Vehicle Is Stolen

📞 Report the theft to the police immediately.

📄 Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.

📍 If your vehicle has a tracking system, inform the police and tracking company.

🔑 Provide details of all keys in your possession and any identifying features of the vehicle.

📹 Check for available CCTV or doorbell footage which may assist enquiries.

👀 Signs Criminals May Be Targeting Vehicles

🚶 Individuals loitering near driveways or parked vehicles.

📱 People carrying electronic devices near vehicles or property entrances late at night.

🚗 Vehicles slowly driving around residential streets looking for potential targets.

If you see suspicious behaviour, report it to police.

📢 Reporting to Police

Reporting crime helps us keep our communities safe.

🔴 Call 999 if a crime is happening now, someone is in immediate danger, violence is being used or threatened, or the suspect is still at the scene.

🟡 Report via 101 or online for non-emergencies, including crimes that have already happened, suspicious activity, theft or criminal damage.

📸 When reporting, provide as much information as you can, including what happened, when and where, descriptions, and any relevant photos, video or witness details.

✅ If something doesn’t feel right, report it. Your information could help identify patterns, support an investigation or prevent further offences.