Nottinghamshire Police have issued an urgent warning to drivers in north Worksop after 12 cars were stolen using relay devices in just two weeks.
The force says thieves have been targeting a range of vehicles, including Mercedes and BMW models, as well as Fiat 500s, Ford Fiesta STs, and Hyundais. Officers believe the criminals are using handheld remote entry devices to commit the thefts without ever touching the key.
The relay devices work by scanning for a nearby key signal, which is then transmitted to the targeted car. This fools the vehicle into thinking the key is present, allowing the doors to be unlocked and the ignition started. The entire process can take less than 30 seconds.
How to protect your vehicle
Nottinghamshire Police are advising drivers to take the following steps:
- Use a Faraday pouch or box to block the signal from your key fob. These metal-lined pouches are available cheaply online and should be tested every few months to ensure they are still working.
- Fit a steering wheel lock as an additional physical deterrent.
- Store keys away from doors and windows to make it harder for thieves to scan them from outside your home.
- Disable keyless entry if your vehicle allows it, while still using the push-button central locking function on the key fob.
PC Emily Duerden, the local beat manager for the area, said experienced thieves can steal a car from outside a home in as little as a minute by exploiting the keyless entry system.
She added that as well as investigating the reports received, officers are carrying out both marked and unmarked patrols on key routes used by criminals entering Bassetlaw to steal vehicles.
Anyone with information about car thefts in the area should contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or report online. Information can also be shared anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
