Police issue vehicle crime prevention advice

There has been a slight rise in thefts from motor vehicles and theft of motor vehicles in Edinburgh. Here’s some advice on how to prevent these:

Despite modern locking systems on vehicles, some criminals do manage to overcome them by using devices bought legally and relatively cheaply on the internet. All of which work by affecting the radio frequency imitated by the key fob / device, enabling vehicles to be stolen despite owners having possession of the key(s).

Key and Fob

The majority of vehicles are accessed by a combination of traditional key and fob remote. The fob tending to be used more frequently than the key, due to the convenience of simply pushing a button. However, criminals can block the radio signal between the fob and vehicle, using a signal blocker.

You press your fob and walk away as normal thinking the vehicle is locked. But it isn’t!
Once inside your vehicle, thieves can remove any items they like or drive it away by plugging a re-programing device into the on board diagnostics port and program a key, which may only take seconds.
Preventative measures:
• Physically checking the vehicle is locked and checking ALL the doors
• Using the traditional key to lock up
• Make sure the key and any spares are stored securely and safely
• Consider using a steering lockKeyless Vehicles
Keyless vehicles automatically lock / unlock depending on the proximity of a key device, which is usually no bigger than a bank card. The system operates via radio signals passed between vehicle and key device. These signals can be intercepted by criminals.

Keys constantly emit a signal, (at times even detectable from within a building), which can be picked up by anyone with an appropriate transmitter relay device.
The signal is relayed back to the vehicle, which unlocks and allows the start button to work and once away from the scene of the crime, a new key can be programmed via the OBD port.

Preventative measures:

• Keep your key device in a Faraday pouch (see picture above ), which has a lining that prevents the items inside from receiving or transmitting radio frequency signals.
• Check vehicle doors are locked before walking away
• Do not store keys near windows or doors
• If you buy a second hand keyless car, get the key reprogrammed
• Make sure the key and any spares are stored securely and safely
• Consider using a steering lockGeneral advice:

• Do not leave any valuable items in the vehicle- if left on show they will encourage thieves to break in. Please note areas such as glove boxes and under seats are not secure and not suitable for the storage of valuables.
• Consider using a steering locks a visible deterrent to thieves – someone who is so obviously conscious of security is less likely to leave valuable in a vehicle.
• Avoid parking in dark, secluded areas, choose locations that are well lit and over looked by houses, passers-by and covered by CCTV if possible.
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davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer