High-End Cars Stolen in Keyless Thefts in Sleaford
Two luxury cars were recently stolen in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, inciting the local police to ask for the public's help in their investigation. The thefts took place in the early hours of Tuesday, November 7.
The Stolen Vehicles
An expensive grey Mercedes GLE was the first to be reported stolen. The incident occurred on Grantham Road, Sleaford between 1.15am and 2am. Shortly afterwards, the theft of a blue BMW X3 was reported from Aiden Road, Sleaford, with the crime taking place between 2.30am and 2.40am. Intriguingly, both thefts were executed using 'relay theft', a method that tricks the car into thinking the keys are nearby.
"Relay Theft"
Relay theft, or keyless theft, involves thieves using technology to mimic the signal from a car key and trick the vehicle into unlocking. This then allows the ignition to be started. A representative for Lincolnshire Police elaborated on the process:
"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."
Anyone in a position to assist with the investigation is asked to contact Dc Matt Trayling. An appeal was also made for motorists to submit dashcam footage if they were driving along Grantham Road between 1am and 3am. The spokesperson for the police stated:
"If you were driving along the Grantham Road area between 1am and 3am this morning, please check your dashcam and see if you have captured either of the stolen vehicles or anything else which might help our investigation."
Procedure for Ensuring the Safety of Keyless Cars
- Keep the car key (including spare keys) as far away from the car as possible when at home.
- Use a screened or signal-blocking pouch, known as a Faraday Bag, for key storage.
- Reprogram your keys if purchasing a second-hand car.
- Turn off wireless signals on the car fob when not in use.