Crime prevention advice issued following keyless car thefts in Colden Common and Denmead

We are investigating following three suspected keyless car thefts in the Winchester area.

The following offences took place on the night of Wednesday 19 July:

• A Lexus GS 300 was stolen from an address in Brickmakers Road, Colden Common, sometime between 8pm on Wednesday 19 July and 5am on Thursday 20 July - 44230291045
• A Ford Focus was stolen from a driveway in Little Corner, Denmead, sometime between 11.30pm on Wednesday 19 July and 12.30am on Thursday 20 July – 44230290988
• A Mercedes C43 AMG was stolen in Hack Drive, Colden Common at around 2.20am on Thursday 20 July - 44230290976

Our enquiries are ongoing and we are looking to see whether these incidents are linked.

Anyone with information should contact us by calling 101 or via our website, quoting the relevant crime reference numbers.

Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft, is being seen across the county and the UK.

Thieves are able to connect to the key’s signal from outside the property to trick the car into unlocking and the ignition starting, and this is done with a device that doesn’t need entry into the owner’s home.

There are a number of steps you can take to protect your vehicle, and it’s important to use a combination of methods.

Advice includes:

• Keep keys out of sight and away from doors and windows
• Use a signal blocking pouch, known as a Faraday Bag, to store your keys
• Turn off your Keyless Fob’s Wireless Signal
• Use a tested and approved Steering Wheel /Pedal / Gear Lock as a deterrent
• Tracking devices can help track down your vehicle and the perpetrator should it be taken
• Check with your manufacturer to make sure your car is as secure as it can be
• Re-programme your keys if you buy a second hand car
• Park securely or use your garage if you have one
• Use CCTV and lighting.

We are working in partnership with manufacturer Disklok, who are running a discount on products for the month of July. For more information, call 01257 795100 or visit www.disklokuk.co.uk