Sporty Ford cars targeted by thieves

POLICE ISSUE KEYLESS ENTRY ADVICE AFTER HIGH POWERED ‘ST’ MODELS TAKEN

THIEVES have been targeting sporty keyless Ford cars in a spate of thefts and attempted raids around Burton.

High powered Ford ST models are particularly being targeted by thieves, with Staffordshire Police now issuing advice to owners on how to keep their vehicles safe.

It comes after incidents in and around Stretton. Two Ford Focus STS were stolen from Barker Round Way on March 9 and Kingsway, in Branston, on Saturday, March 20.

A Fiesta ST was taken from Tristram Grove on March 11. While there was also an attempt to steal a Focus ST on Waterton Close on March 19.

Staffordshire Police have now offered advice to people who own vehicles which have keyless entry, Thieves can clone keyless devices to unlock and steal the expensive cars.

A spokesperson said: “Patrols are being stepped up in the area surrounding the A38 in a bid to deter and catch thieves, while PCSOS in the area will be delivering leaflets to homeowners containing safety and prevention advice.

“Advice given to keyless entry vehicle owners to deter thieves includes:

■ Consider purchasing a key security pouch (also known as a Faraday pouch) to keep your car entry devices in while inside the house. These block the ability of thieves to access the key signal.

■ Always check your car doors have locked after pressing your key fob.

■ Park in a garage if possible or another secure area where it’s difficult to get the car out if accessed.

■ Consider using a steering lock.

Faraday bags, or Faraday pouches, are bags that are lined with layers of a metallic material that block a key’s radio signals from being intercepted and stolen.

Sergeant Helen Kirkland from

East Staffordshire neighborhood policing team added: “We would like to reiterate the need for keyless entry car owners to ensure their vehicles are locked at all times when not in use and to consider using Faraday bags to hold their keys to prevent cloning, and maybe use steering locks on their vehicles.

“And of course, please report all suspicious activity you notice in your communities and places of work.

“You should always remember the Gone In 20 Seconds message – this is how quickly a thief can take your vehicle once they have got inside by any of the above methods.”