Spate of 'keyless car thefts' prompts Aylesbury police advice

Six incidents across Aylesbury Vale of people trying to steal 'keyless cars' have prompted Thames Valley Police to issue advice of how to reduce your risk of having the car stolen.
Criminals attempting to steal a keyless carCriminals attempting to steal a keyless car
Criminals attempting to steal a keyless car

The advice has been issued because since just last Friday January 24, there have been two thefts and four other attempted thefts on the outskirts of Aylesbury.

After placing themselves by the front door of a property or at the side of a house, in close proximity to the key, offenders often use a device and a laptop to intercept the signal from the remote sensor on the key and gain entry to the vehicle, as shown in the image.

They can then start the vehicle without the key and drive away.

The signal from these keys can be intercepted in as little as one minute.

Sergeant Amy Fox of the Problem Solving team at Aylesbury police station, said: “By placing car keys in a metal tin or an RFID pouch and away from the front door, you can make it harder for offenders to intercept the signal from the key. Be aware of where your spare key is located as well and where possible, keep this in a tin too.

"We are continuing to investigate these offences and if you have any information that can assist then please get in touch using our online form or by calling 101. You will need to quote reference number 43200029281.

"Equally, if you see or hear anything suspicious around houses with keyless cars in your area then please let us know by contacting us online or by calling 101 or 999 if you believe a crime is in progress.”