Drivers warned about vehicle theft, as GMP increases solved-rate by 56%

Greater Manchester Police is warning drivers about vehicle theft, as officers solve 56% more than in the previous year.

CCTV footage, shared in a bid to prevent and reduce crime, shows a hooded figure holding a ‘bridging device’ outside a house in Greater Manchester. Within 15 seconds (and without making a sound), the vehicle is unlocked. Within a further minute and a half, the vehicle is driven away.

Bridging devices are used to trick keyless entry vehicles into behaving as if the keys are nearby – allowing the doors to be opened and ignition to be started. Drivers can protect their vehicles from this type of crime by keeping their keys well away from their parking space and putting them in a Faraday Pouch.

The use of bridging devices has contributed to a 2.9% increase in vehicle thefts in Greater Manchester in the 12 months to March 2023.

GMP lead for vehicle crime, Superintendent Ian Jones said: “Whilst vehicle theft has increased, so too has GMP’s fight against it – officers have solved 379 more of these crimes last year than they did in the previous.

“The force has a number of ongoing operations to stop thieves in their tracks and progress is evidently being made but there are steps drivers can take to protect their vehicles.

“If you have a keyless entry car, please keep your keys in your property and well away from your parking space, consider purchasing a Faraday Pouch or steering wheel lock – which is proven to be a brilliant deterrent. I'd also encourage those with garages to use them."

GMP can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Anonymous reports can be made via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.