OWNERS of cars with keyless entry are being warned to take precautions after a rise in thefts targeting these vehicles.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council has said figures show there was a 3.1 per cent rise in vehicle crime across the country in June compared to May, with the bulk of these being from keyless thefts.

Owners of cars with keyless entry are now being encouraged to take steps to keep their cars safe.

Criminals and organised crime gangs are using relay technology to receive the signal from a key inside a house and transfer it to a portable device, allowing them to then unlock and drive the car away.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, lead for vehicle crime at the NPCC, said: “Car theft is a serious crime that causes significant distress and upset to owners and police are putting considerable resources into tackling it and bringing those responsible to justice. 

“Whilst the rapid development of technology has dramatically improved the experience of drivers it has also allowed criminals to exploit weaknesses in electronic security.

“We are working closely with car manufacturers to help them design out crime by sharing intelligence and equipment seized from criminals. We are already making substantial progress in this regard.

“I would urge drivers to take simple steps to keep their vehicle safe like storing your keys in metal tins or protective pouches that block the devices criminals are using.

“A return to basics like making sure your car is locked is worthwhile too. We know from research that some owners think that cars automatically lock – they don’t. Always double check before you walk away that it’s locked.”

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, added: “Technology sold as a convenience for drivers is becoming the best tool for car thieves.

“Relay theft is now the preferred way to steal a car is it is quick and quiet. The days of ‘smash and grab’ are over and have been replaced with ‘bounce and roll’ as thieves now bounce the signal off the keys in the house onto the car and roll away with the goods.

“As fast as manufacturers try to develop ways to strengthen vehicle security, thieves will work just as hard to beat them.

“The best way to protect cars with keyless entry is to keep keys away from the front door and to buy a faraday pouch.

“For less than a tenner, this stops the signal being broadcast and will keep the car where it’s parked. Drivers should remember to buy two pouches – one for main key and one for the spare.”

Drivers are reminded to ensure their cars are locked, keep keys out of sight and away from windows and doors and storing the keys in a faraday pouch or metal tin.