Officers urge drivers to be vigilant after keyless car thefts

Officers are urging vehicle owners to be vigilant after a number of keyless car thefts took place in Stafford recently.

Two vehicles were stolen in the early hours of Thursday (16 December).

The first vehicle, a red Ford Fiesta, was stolen from a property near to Park Crescent in Stafford at around 4am.

Around half an hour later, a blue Ford Ecosport was reported stolen from an address in the Rising Brook area.

Both thefts are believed to have occurred without offenders entering properties to gain keys.

Officers understand that offenders may be using keyless relay devices or so-called skeleton keys to access vehicles.

Police are currently conducting house-to-house inquires and urge anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage of around the Park Crescent area at the time of the offences to get in touch.

Officers are also reminding vehicle owners on how best to protect themselves from keyless car thefts.

If you have a keyless car/vehicle:
• Consider purchasing a key security pouch (also known as a Faraday pouch) to keep your car entry devices in while inside the house. These block the ability of thieves to access the key signal
• Always check your car doors have locked after pressing your key fob
• Park in a garage if possible, or another secure area, where it is difficult to get the car out if accessed
• Consider using a steering wheel lock.

Giles Parsons, Chief Inspector at Staffordshire Police, said: “We are aware of an increase in criminal activity relating to vehicles, especially at this time of year.

“I would urge anyone who has a keyless vehicle to invest in a Faraday pouch to protect themselves and their property.

“All vehicle owners should be vigilant to any suspicious activity in and around their communities and report any concerns to police.”

To report any information in relation to the above thefts, contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident number 071 of 16 December.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you are a victim of keyless vehicle theft, contact Staffordshire Police on 101 or in an emergency, dial 999.