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Officers share crime prevention advice after two men charged for theft of motor vehicles using keyless technology.

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14:31 06/10/2022

Two males aged 17 from the Bolton area have been charged with eight counts of theft of a motor vehicle.

The thefts took place over a period from 7 September to 20 September. During this time eight Ford Fiestas were stolen using keyless technology.

Keyless technology refers to the short-range radio waves that are emitted from a keyless fob causing your car doors to unlock. A similar process is then used to start the car. Whilst this type of technology is hugely convenient, it can make your vehicle more vulnerable to theft.

Criminals use what is known as a 'relay attack' where they use a device that tricks your car into thinking the correct device is present, when it may actually be metres away inside your house) by amplifying its signal.

Footage from front-door household security cameras has emerged showing thieves using devices to capture the signals from fobs perhaps left on a table in the hallway or in a jacket pocket. As soon as the thieves get access, the car can be driven off in seconds.

Should your car be stolen, Greater Manchester Police will exhaust every viable option to see it returned to you and the offenders apprehended. There are however some steps that you can take to prevent the theft from ever occurring.

Here are some tips on keeping your car secure and reducing the chance of becoming a victim of ‘keyless entry theft':

 

  • Be careful where you put your key fob. Keep it as far away from the vehicle as you can, as well as away from the windows and doors in your home.
  • Think about investing in a Faraday bag to prevent the fob from sending out digital signals, or alternatively store the fob in a metal container such as a biscuit tin.
  • Lock your vehicle - even if you're only going to be away from your car for a couple of minutes to pay for parking. Make sure it’s double locked and all security features are enabled by pressing your key fob twice.
  • Invest in Security Measures: this could be as simple as fitting a steering wheel lock or a wheel clamp. It’s also worth investing in a tracker system, such as a Thatcham approved device, if you do not already have one.
  • Watch out for hackers - always use strong passwords for any online account and never give anyone access to your car app or portal account.

 

Anyone with information that will help us to bring burglars and handlers of stolen goods to justice is encouraged to contact ourselves either via the LiveChat or reporting function on our website or by calling 101.

 

You can also pass on information anonymously through CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

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