Tag: vehicle security

Two men arrested and charged in connection with car thefts

Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a number of keyless car thefts in Wishaw, Uddingston, Stirling, Bathgate and Edinburgh.

The incidents happened between Friday, 1 November and Thursday, 28 November, when six cars were reported stolen in different locations.

Officers carried out enquiries and on Friday, 6 December, a 35-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with these thefts. He appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Thursday, 19 December.

On Saturday, 21 December, 2024, a 36-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with two of the thefts and driving whilst disqualified. He is expected to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday, 23 December.

Sergeant Steven Brown said: “We urge all vehicle owners to be aware and take extra precautions to combat this type of criminal activity including not keeping keys or fobs near doors or windows.

“Buying a secure signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday bag or RFID signal blocker that can block the transmission of the signal from the key, can also help keep your vehicle secure.

“Steering locks can also be effective, while vehicle trackers and tracking devices are also a form of additional security and can assist police in recovering stolen vehicles quickly.

“Anyone with information about these thefts should contact officers via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Further information on keeping your vehicle safe can be found here: 

https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/vehicle-crime/relay-theft

Motorists warned about ‘frost-jacking’ thieves

Tracker urges drivers not to leave their vehicles vulnerable

As the UK prepares for a drop in temperatures, stolen vehicle recovery expert, Tracker Network (UK) Ltd, is urging motorists to be on their guard from unscrupulous thieves when de-icing their windscreens and warming up their cars.

Over £4 million worth of stolen vehicles were recovered by Tracker between November 2023 and January 2024, the peak months for vehicles to be ‘frost jacked.’

‘Frost jacking’ is usually an opportunist crime when thieves see an unattended unlocked car, typically with the keys in the ignition, as drivers wait elsewhere to thaw out frosted windows and warm up cars on cold days.

Not only does leaving vehicles unattended make them an easy theft target, but motorists also run the risk of invalidating their insurance or facing fines.

“Whilst it can be very tempting to leave your car running on these cold and dark mornings, the wider risk of theft if just too strong,” warns Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker.

“It is always best to just wrap up warm and stay with your car whilst you are defrosting the windows, whether it is on your driveway or parked in the road. Using a combination of new and traditional methods to keep cars safe from thieves is always recommended, especially in the winter when there are less daylight hours.”

As well as being vulnerable to theft, additional legal matters come into play when leaving a vehicle unattended. Unnecessarily leaving the engine running on a vehicle parked on the public road is an offence under regulations 98 and 107 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, which reinforces rule 123 of the Highway Code.

Contrary to the Road Traffic Act, engine quitting, where a person leaves their vehicles’ engine running whilst not actually in the vehicle, is also an offence. Drivers caught engine quitting could be fined anywhere between £20-£80. Not correctly defrosting a windscreen and leaving it dangerous to drive can also result in a potential fine and three penalty points.

“Although it isn’t always the nicest option, staying with your vehicle in frosty conditions can help to prevent theft, invalid insurance, fines and penalty points,” continues Clive Wain. “One of the best ways to protect cars in the winter is to fit a tracking unit, which can significantly increase the chances of a vehicle been recovered if it is stolen.”

Tracker is the only SVR provider supported nationwide by U.K. police services that track, locate and recover stolen assets. More than 2,000 police patrol vehicles and all police helicopters are fitted with Tracker detection units. Confirming Tracker as a superior security defence against determined thieves, Tracker boasts a 95% success rate, 50% of which are recovered within 4 hours and 80% are returned to their owners within 24 hours, undamaged. 

 

Tracker’s Winter Security Advice

  • At home, don’t keep keys in a place where they can be seen or accessed from outside
  • Never leave the keys in the ignition, even if you are just stopping quickly 
  • Never leave your car running unattended when de-icing 
  • Always lock and secure your vehicle
  • Don’t leave belongings on show, lock them in the boot or take them with you
  • Do not leave technology items on display, such as satnavs or mobile telephones.  Take them with you or lock them in the boot.
  • Never leave car documents or spare keys inside the car – this only makes it easier for thieves to sell it on
  • Park in busy or well-lit and attended car parks near CCTV cameras
  • If you have a garage, use it to park your car
  • Consider fitting a tracking device to help police recover your vehicle if it’s stolen.

Police Scotland: Secure your van!

We’ve recently received reports of vans being broken into and tools being stolen from within.

Please consider additional security measure to secure your tools:

– If possible park within secure buildings/yards, under CCTV and in well-lit areas, restricting access to the doors if possible (parking close to walls etc)

– You may wish to consider replacing existing locks with more robust alternatives, e.g. slam and dead locks, designed to withstand being overcome by tools such as grinders and lock picks.

– It is recommended to remove your tools from your van and the end of the day if possible, or consider installing a tool safe within.

– Ensure you keep a record of tool serial numbers and make tools appear unique as possible such as paint markings or stickers.

Police Scotland: Vehicle Security

Have you ever considered improving the security of your vehicle? 🚗

Sometimes simply locking it is not enough.

The list below provides a range of options which will make stealing your vehicle more difficult, especially if several are combined together!

• Check vehicle doors are locked before walking away.

• Do not store keys near windows or doors.

• Keep your key device in a ‘Faraday pouch’ which prevents it receiving or transmitting radio signals.

• 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 having an On-Board Diagnostic port (OBD) lock professionally fitted/ask at a main dealership.

• Use a steering wheel lock.

• Fit a pedal box, which encases the driving pedals in a high visibility secure box.

Please report any suspicious behaviour or incidents to Police on 101 or 999.

Police Scotland: Vehicle Security

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).

Please see below advice on how to try to prevent these:

🔐Consider using steering locks as a visible deterrent to thieves – someone who is so obviously conscious of security is less likely to leave valuables in a vehicle.

👝 Keep your key device in a Faraday pouch, which has a lining that prevents the items inside from receiving or transmitting radio frequency signals.

💡 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.

🔑 Do not store keys near windows or doors.

More vehicle security information can be found on our website – https://www.scotland.police.uk/…/protecting-your-car/

Short supply and heavy demand widens the car thief’s net

First ever hybrid car makes Tracker’s top ten most stolen and recovered league table as Lexus becomes a target for thieves

Key 2022 Tracker Recovery Data 

  • 42% of stolen cars recovered by Tracker in 2022 were Range Rover and Land Rover models
  • The Range Rover Sport takes the number one spot for the fourth consecutive year
  • Luxury brand Lexus enters Tracker’s top ten league table for the first time with its Lexus RX 450h, which takes sixth place
  • The Volkswagen Golf re-enters Tracker’s league table, last appearing in 2017
  • 32 chop shops were uncovered by police in 2022 as a result of a Tracker activated stolen vehicle recovery – over a 300% increase on the number of chop shop closures recorded by Tracker since 2021
  • Keyless car theft remained on par year-on-year with 93% of all vehicles recovered by Tracker stolen without the key present

New data analysis from stolen vehicle recovery expert (SVR), Tracker Network UK Limited confirms that the Range Rover Sport continues to be its most commonly stolen and recovered car.

However, Tracker’s 2022 data has also revealed that not only has another premium SUV model become favourable among thieves, but hybrid vehicles are now rich pickings for criminals.  The Lexus RX 450h enters Tracker’s top ten most stolen and recovered league table, which is the first time a Lexus vehicle has ever appeared in its annual review of stolen and recovered vehicles. A sharp rise in thefts of the Lexus RX450h in the second half of the year indicates it’s likely to remain a target for thieves.

The Volkswagen Golf has re-entered Tracker’s top ten with an average value of £10k; it last appeared in 2017.

The highest value stolen car recovered by Tracker in 2022 was a Mercedes-Benz AMG with a retail price of £182,000 and the lowest value car recovered was an Audi A4, priced at £1,000.

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker said, “As the U.K. accelerates towards its ambition of achieving zero emissions, so too has the take up of hybrid and electric vehicles by private and company car drivers. And with increasing demand comes a greater risk of these vehicles being targeted by thieves.

“Crucially however, our 2022 data highlights that it’s not just premium and nearly new cars being targeted by thieves. An ongoing lack of parts for new car manufacturing – primarily microchips – has boosted demand in the second-hand car market and in turn, created an opportunity professional criminals have been quick to take advantage of. 

“Furthermore, a shortfall in vehicle parts supply has also hit the service, maintenance and repair sector, creating another lucrative opportunity for professional car thieves. 2022 saw a U.K. boom in ‘chop-shops’ – buildings containing stolen vehicles to be stripped down for their expensive parts to be sold on, on the black market. 

“Police uncovered 32 illegal chop shops in 2022 as a result of us locating stolen vehicles belonging to our customers being hidden there. What’s more, these recoveries resulted in the police also uncovering 100s of non-Tracker fitted vehicles, as well as seize valuable vehicle parts worth millions of pounds.”

Keyless car theft and ‘relay attack’ continues to challenge manufacturers, as Tracker’s latest data confirms. The level of vehicle theft carried out through this method has significantly increased over the years. In 2017, 80% of all vehicles stolen and recovered were stolen without using the owner’s keys, it now stands at 93% in 2022.


Clive Wain added: “It remains a difficult time for car owners but a multi-layer approach to vehicle security will go a long way in protecting vehicles. Criminals continue to find ways around new security technology, which is why we always encourage motorists to use traditional security deterrents such as crook locks and wheel clamps to deter criminals and protect their vehicles.  

“An investment in smart doorbells or a CCTV system are also increasingly popular amongst those keen to guard against unwanted visitors. Indeed, they have become a valuable means to helping police solve vehicle crime. However, in the event of a theft, stolen vehicle tracking technology will significantly help police quickly locate the vehicle and return it to its rightful owner before it is sold on, broken down for parts or shipped abroad.”

Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by UK police forces. Its detection units are fitted in over 2000 police patrol vehicles and throughout the national fleet of Police helicopters that comprise the National Police Air Service (NPAS). 

Tracker data reveals over 30 ‘Chop Shops’ were uncovered in 2022

In joint operations, Tracker Network (UK) and the UK police force uncovered 32 illegal chop shops during 2022 – over a 300% increase on the number of chop shop closures recorded by Tracker since 2021.

Alongside vehicles recovered that were fitted with Tracker units, it has helped return 100’s of other non-Tracker fitted vehicles to their rightful owners as well as seize valuable vehicle parts worth millions of pounds.

With the popularity of chop shops amongst organised crime gangs significantly on the rise, the stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, Tracker, is warning vehicle owners to be extra vigilant.  

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker said, “We have seen a record number of chop shops being discovered and closed down in the UK last year.

“Essex has always been and continues to be the UK’s chop shop prime hot spot. Only recently, Essex police and Tracker found a number of stolen vehicles at a Tilbury chop shop site, which had been stolen over the weekend from the Met Police area. Other key regions for chop shops being found include, London, Kent, Bedfordshire, Manchester and the West Midlands.

“The lack of parts for new car manufacturing in recent years has driven a surge of sales in the second-hand car market, which in turn, generated a higher demand and price for used car spare parts, especially in 2022.

“This resulted in creating a perfect opportunity for thieves. Inside the illegal shops, batteries, engines, and steering wheels are stripped from cars ready to be sold for cash or on the black market.  Criminals are working 24/7 to steal cars for their parts to then sell-on to criminal networks, not only in the UK but also in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“We work very closely with UK police forces recovering stolen cars in ‘chop shops’ nationwide. A large percentage of vehicles that are stolen to order, are taken to ‘chop shops’ where the criminals strip the parts and try to mask their identities, which can often happen within just a few hours of them being taken. Given the current cost of living crisis this industry is booming adding demand for high-value parts being removed for re-sale.”

Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by UK police forces.

Tracker’s SVR solutions work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t know it’s there. The combination of VHF with GPS/GSM technology unique to Tracker, confirms its SVR devices as a superior security defence against determined thieves.

Tracker’s top tips for vehicle security

Protect your key fob: Keyless car theft works through a relay-style electronic device tricking your key fob signal into thinking the key is near to the car and then the device can assume all key fob power. To prevent this, keep the key – and the spare too – away from where the vehicle is kept when not in use, and block the signal by keeping the key fob in a closed tin or faraday bag.

Switch off and lock up: Never leave your car running idle and unattended, even when defrosting windscreens and windows on a cold morning.

Make life difficult: Fit security posts or a substantial gate if parking on your drive, physical barriers will make thieves think twice.

Don’t advertise your stuff: Never leave your belongings on show, lock them in the boot or take them with you.

Keep paperwork indoors – Don’t store car documents or spare keys inside the car as it makes it easier for thieves to sell it on.

Plan for the worst: Take car security measures to protect your car from being stolen in the first place, such as installing security lighting where you park your car and using a steering wheel lock. If criminals find a way to steal your car, having a vehicle tracker fitted can help the authorities to recover your vehicle.

Police Scotland: Vehicle Security

Vehicle Security Advice from Police Scotland

• If you have a garage “use it” and lock it. If you have gates ensure these are locked. Consider using an alarm for you garage and gates.

• Leaving items on show is an invitation – Mobile phones, electronic equipment, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the vehicle or placed in the boot.

• Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach – a common way to steal a car or van is to take the keys or ignition fob, either when left in the vehicle or from your home through burglary

• Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when unattended – on the drive, the petrol station forecourt or when parking an unlocked vehicle is the easiest to steal or steal from. When away from home, consider using a Park Mark approved car park

• Fit theft resistant number plate fittings – stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure plates

• Use a steering wheel lock and/or a lock that fits over the gear lever. Alternatively a security box can be fitted over the pedals to prevent thefts when the vehicle is parked up

• Double check: Listen out for the sound of your doors locking, lights flashing and/or mirrors closing. If you don’t hear or see this it make sure to double check

• Fit a tracker: These devices can alert you when your car is active and if it’s travelling in a new area.

More vehicle security information can be found on our website – https://www.scotland.police.uk/…/protecting-your-car/

Police Scotland issues advice on vehicle security

• If you have a garage “use it” and lock it. If you have gates ensure these are locked. Consider using an alarm for you garage and gates.

• Leaving items on show is an invitation – Mobile phones, electronic equipment, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the vehicle or placed in the boot.

• Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach – a common way to steal a car or van is to take the keys or ignition fob, either when left in the vehicle or from your home through burglary

• Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when unattended – on the drive, the petrol station forecourt or when parking an unlocked vehicle is the easiest to steal or steal from. When away from home, consider using a Park Mark approved car park

• Fit theft resistant number plate fittings – stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure plates

• Use a steering wheel lock and/or a lock that fits over the gear lever. Alternatively a security box can be fitted over the pedals to prevent thefts when the vehicle is parked up

• Double check: Listen out for the sound of your doors locking, lights flashing and/or mirrors closing. If you don’t hear or see this it make sure to double check

• Fit a tracker: These devices can alert you when your car is active and if it’s travelling in a new area.

Vehicle security information on our website – http://ow.ly/kRXp50D0lwK