Vehicle thefts spike sparks Hertfordshire Police warning

Hertfordshire Police officers have warned motorists of an increase in vehicle thefts involving new technology.

Vans, motorcycles and mopeds have all been targeted over recent months, with thieves using a range of techniques to bypass vehicle security systems.

Police said crooks have been stealing keys that have been left inside homes, close to letter boxes or insecure windows and doors.

They warned that if keys are left within five metres of the vehicle, equipment exists which can pick up the signal from the them and relay it to the vehicle to unlock the doors.

Inspector Paul Lawrence from the Crime Reduction Unit said: “Vehicle security systems are advancing all the time, and generally they are very secure.

“However, certain systems are being targeted using both very basic and quite sophisticated techniques. In some cases criminals have gained access to expensive equipment used by manufacturers, which can render the latest security systems ineffective.

Officers advised motorcyclists to try and use a designated parking spaces with a security loop, consider switching off Wi-Fi facilities, fit an ‘OBD safe’ device and install a dual band GPS tracking device incase the vehicle is stolen.