Two high-value vehicles were targeted overnight by thieves in in Wyberton, Boston, believed to have been in the early hours of Monday 30th September.
A Ford Mustang was reported as missing to Lincolnshire Police just after 4.20am from a driveway in Field Drive, Wyberton. Shortly after, just before 5am, a Mercedes A 200 D AMG line was reported as missing from a driveway in Spice Avenue, Wyberton.
In both cases it is believed the thefts were keyless, also known as ‘relay theft’, where a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition. The culprits use relay equipment to boost the signal of an electronic car key within the home, by holding an antenna towards the property.
These thefts are naturally concerning, and Lincolnshire Police wish to warn communities and highlight steps you can take to remain safe.
Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don’t have keyless entry.
Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.
How to protect your keyless entry car:
- When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.
- Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.
- Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second-hand car.
- Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used.
Find out more here: https://www.lincs.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/
