Crime prevention advice issued after keyless car thefts

Derbyshire Police officers have issued crime prevention advice to motorists after a series of keyless car thefts in South Derbyshire, one affecting the Erewash borough.

Investigations are underway after four suspected ‘relay theft’ incidents in which Kia vehicles have been targeted over several days.

Thieves have been using electronic devices to intercept and amplify the signal from a car’s key fob to trick the vehicle into thinking the owner is nearby, causing the car to open.

The incidents were in Long Eaton, Swadlincote, Spondon and Mickleover over the course of April.

In Long Eaton, a white Kia Sportage was taken from Douglas Road in the town between 3:53am and 4:10am on Monday 27th April (reference: 26*240448), whilst in Spondon, a grey vehicle of the same make and model was taken from Dale Road at around 1:30am on Wednesday 29th April (reference: 26*245682, although, in that instance, the vehicle was later recovered.

Motorists are being advised to follow advice whilst the investigations continue.

•  Using a Faraday case to store your key fob – and also any spares. These pouches block the signal and help prevent thieves using the ‘relay theft’ method.
• Make sure the pouch is designed specifically for keys and test it by inserting your fob into the pouch and attempting to open your vehicle.
• Refer to your user manual to see if your keyless entry fob can be deactivated at night.
• Check that you have a motion-sensor enabled fob, which goes to sleep when idle, such as when stored at home. Many vehicle manufacturers now produce this type of fob.
• Go old-school and fit a steering wheel clamp.
• Where possible, park your vehicle in your garage.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents listed above is asked to contact Derbyshire Police using one of the methods below, but please quote the relevant reference number.

• Call the non-emergency number 101.
• Website – There are crime reporting tools at www.derbyshire.police.uk/
• Facebook – send a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• X (Twitter) – direct message the contact centre via @DerPolContact