Owners of BMW and Mercedes vehicles have been issued with a warning by Surrey Police about an increase in keyless car thefts in the area. Over 60 thefts have been recorded in Surrey so far this year, and the problem could get even worse if motorists do not act.
There are a number of precautions that the car owners can take, Surrey Police said.
The main issue with BMW and Mercedes cars is that they have a keyless entry system.
Car thieves are often able to intercept the signal from the key fob belonging to the driver and enter the car.
They can do so by tricking the car into thinking that the key is close enough.
READ MORE: Motorists will be ‘pleasantly surprised’ when using hypermiling tricks
And, with 62 cars stolen this way in Surrey this year, police officers have urged motorists to keep their key fobs in a special signal blocking bag.
They added that 31 Mercedes cars were stolen from the beginning of 2022 up to May 20.
The figure stands at 28 for BMWs during the same period.
Borough commander Gemma Taylor, speaking to Surrey Heath Borough Council’s external partnerships select committee, said: “They use a transmitter, it pings the car’s locking system, sends a signal to a second transmitter which is with someone located near to the house i.e. near to where the keys are, and the signal gets relayed back to the car, the car opens and the car starts.
DON’T MISS
Plug-in grant ends with immediate effect [REVEAL]
Petrol station causes traffic chaos after it offers discounted fuel [INSIGHT]
Drivers urged to move away from diesel if they want to save money [ADVICE]
Experts at Heycar said: “Putting the keys somewhere safe within your house should be your number one priority.
“Firstly, keep the key away from doors and windows. Thieves usually have to try and ‘grab’ the signal from outside, so the further away the keys are from the exterior walls, the better.
“Some metal boxes (like those that biscuits or tea bags come in) can work — plus, then you get biscuits, too. Signal-blocking pouches often called faraday bags, are metal-lined wallets.
“You can buy them online and from motor retailers with prices starting at about £5. To check that it works, put the key in the bag when you’re standing beside the locked car.”
They continued: “The doors should stay locked. You should also put the spare key that lives in the house in a similar bag.
“Anything else you can do to make the car harder to steal will be a deterrent.
“Putting the car in a garage, getting a lockable post on your driveway and in-car security devices such as steering wheel locks can also help.
“If you have a high-value car, consider getting a tracking device fitted as well.”
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Automobiles News Click Here
