Swindon has seen a surge in keyless car thefts, with five high-value vehicles snatched in the past week, prompting a call for increased vigilance among residents.
While keyless car thefts have been a growing concern nationwide in recent months, they have only recently become more prevalent in Wiltshire, raising alarms among police.
The latest incidents occurred overnight on March 7th, with two vehicles, a BMW 540i XDrive and a BMW M4, stolen from driveways in Broome Manor. At the same time a Lexus RX vanished also from the Broome Manor area. Subsequently, on March 11th, a Mercedes Benz disappeared from Broome Manor, while another Mercedes was stolen from the Coate area.
Police are actively investigating these thefts and urge anyone with information to contact them promptly via 101.
In response to these incidents, residents are advised to take proactive measures to safeguard their vehicles. Here are some key crime prevention tips for owners of keyless vehicles:
- Secure Spare Keys: Safeguard spare key-fobs by storing them securely when not in use, preferably in signal suppression pouches to minimise the risk of unauthorized access.
- Key Storage: Avoid leaving keys near the front door; instead, opt for more central locations within the home to deter potential thieves.
- Consult Vehicle Manufacturer: Seek advice from your vehicle’s manufacturer on adjusting security settings to enhance protection against theft.
- Utilize Physical Equipment Locks: Consider installing steering wheel locks, gear lever locks, or a Pedal Box to deter thieves physically.
- Home CCTV: Install CCTV cameras to monitor your property and vehicles, enhancing security and aiding law enforcement in investigations.
- Utilize Garages: If available, store keyless vehicles in garages to conceal them from view and add an extra layer of security.
- Bollards/Driveway Gates: Install barriers such as bollards or driveway gates to impede access and deter potential thieves.
- Strategic Parking: Position non-keyless vehicles to obstruct access to keyless vehicles on driveways, reducing the likelihood of theft.
- Insurance Coverage: Ensure adequate insurance coverage, including Gap Insurance, to mitigate losses in the event of theft.
- Vehicle Tracking Devices: Consider installing tracking devices to increase the chances of recovering stolen vehicles.
- Remove Valuables: Avoid leaving valuables inside vehicles, reducing the incentive for theft and minimizing potential losses.
