Keyless car thefts - Crime Prevention Advice

Keyless car theft is becoming a growing issue in our county and across the UK, and we want to give you the tools to prevent this from happening to you. During 2022/23 there were approximately 480 incidents of keyless car thefts in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, this is up from around 135 in 2021/22.

Thieves don’t need access to your home or to be in possession of your car keys, they have the technology to help them to connect to the signal from your key and relay it to the vehicle. They can then unlock the car and drive away without you knowing.

Thieves often target high-value vehicles, most recently we saw a rise in theft of Land Rovers, but it could happen to anyone with any vehicle that has a keyless start, if they can gain access then they will take it.
A mum recently had her car stolen (links to BBC article) despite having CCTV and the key inside her home. The thief was spotted on a CCTV camera using technology to relay the key’s signal inside her home to the car to unlock it and was able to drive away.

There are a number of steps you can take to protect your vehicle, but it’s important to use a combination of methods and utilise locks and other items to deter thieves and protect yourself to the greatest extent possible.

Disklok is offering a unique code, which is HPDSK15, it’s available for the month of July for Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents to purchase a steering wheel lock with a discount.

To protect your vehicle from being stolen, you can:
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·        Keep keys out of sight and away from doors and windows
·        Use a signal blocking pouch, known as a Faraday Bag, to store your keys
·        Turn off your Keyless Fob’s Wireless Signal
​·        Use a tested and approved Steering Wheel /Pedal / Gear Lock as a deterrent
·        Tracking devices can help track down your vehicle and the perpetrator should it be taken
·        Check with your manufacturer to make sure your car is as secure as it can be
·        Re-programme your keys if you buy a second hand car
·        Park securely or use your garage if you have one
·        Use CCTV and lighting.

Residents can report keyless car theft to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary by calling 101 or by reporting it online.