Aylesbury builder's anger at thieves using '˜Â£20 fob' to break into his van

Simon Gascoyne, of Bedgrove, Aylesbury, believes criminals have a key fob which has been programmed to unlock his 2008 Ford Transit Tipper van and another device which over rides the alarm.

Both devices can be bought off the internet – with the fob costing as little as £20.

On the first occasion in August cash, a jigsaw, drill and electric planer were stolen – and last week thieves took items which he had replaced as well as a laser level and hammer drill.

The latest break-in happened some time between Thursday evening and Friday morning.

Mr Gascoyne said: “There’s no damage. It’s like they’ve got a key and just opened it. I think it is exactly the same people as before.

“My wife saw on Facebook that this has happened to other people in the town as well.

“I try not to keep a lot in the van but I had just finished a job so the tools were in it.”

A Ford spokesman said: “Ford takes vehicle security very seriously and we heavily invest in security solutions that are built into our vehicles to deter theft. Our security team routinely monitors and investigates new ways thieves are targeting our vehicles to maintain a high level of deterrence.

“We are constantly learning more about the latest techniques thieves are using to gain access to vehicles, and whether there are additional enhancements we can make in our vehicles.

“Specifically on ‘lock picks’ being used by thieves, this is an industry issue that Ford and all other manufacturers, and including the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), have been working to address for some time.

“As well as the specific ‘Tibbe lock pick tool’ you can purchase a tool for any manufacturer. The issue is exacerbated by a lack of legislation, enabling anybody (not just licensed locksmiths) to purchase these locksmith tools over the internet and other specific hardware outlets.

“Ford has taken a proactive approach to advance its lock barrel design and have developed an aftermarket solution to help prevent thefts of vehicles accessible with these ‘lock picks.’”

Police are investigating the incident.