Alert for drivers after rise in‘keyless’car thefts
Families in Renfrewshire have been warned to be vigilant as thieves use advanced technology to steal cars by exploiting contactless keys.
Crime experts say an increasing number of crooks are using equipment to amplify the signal from keys kept in the hallways of people’s homes to unlock vehicles in their driveway.
If a key is close enough to the front door, thieves can amplify the signal and send it to a transmitter which acts as the true key, opening the car and allowing it to be driven off.
Willie Clark, community engagement officer at Neighbourhood Watch Scotland, said the crime known as “keyless” or “relay” theft is a growing concern.
Speaking at Er s k i n e Commu n i t y C o u n c i l , he said: “Put your keys in a metal tin and it will prevent the signal getting to them.
“It’s a growing concern and we put an alert out on it recently.”
Faraday wallets are also able to block external signals used in relay or contactless card theft.
A mesh inside the wallet means it can block the signals used by would-be thieves.
Thatcham-approved steering locks are also recommended to prevent car theft as an effective visible deterrent because crooks are regularly put off by the length of time they take to disable.
Motorists are also advised not to leave belongings in their car and to take them with them when they can.
If they cannot, they are urged to lock them out of sight in the boot.
Andrew Horner, secretary of Erskine Community Council, described Mr Clark’s presentation on Thursday night as “very interesting and helpful”.
The community activist said he put his car keys straight into a metal tin upon his return home from the meeting and advised other residents to do the same.
Mr Horner said: “The talk was good and the tips were good. I came home and got a tin box and put my keys straight in there. I had never heard off that before. People need to be aware of the advances in technology that thieves use.
“It’s important to be vigilant and keep an eye on each other.”
A Police Scotland report confirmed there had been 23 recorded crimes in the Erskine area in January, nine of which had been detected.
During that period, there were two attempted house break-ins and seven thefts.