Appeal for information and safety advice after spate of keyless car thefts – West Norfolk

Police are appealing for information and issuing safety advice following a number of car thefts in West Norfolk where access has been gained through a remote device.

Overnight between Tuesday 28^th February at 10.00pm and Wednesday 1^st March at 6.00am a grey Land Rover Discovery with vehicle registration AO16 HFR was stolen from Downham Road, Outwell (reference: 36/15135/23)

The following week, another grey Land Rover Discovery, this time with vehicle registration OU15 MWM was taken from School Road, Terrington St John between midnight and 7.35am on Wednesday 8^th March (reference 36/16869/23)

The following night between 7pm on Wednesday 8^th March and 8.15am on Thursday 9^th March a silver Audi A4 registration EO11OYP was stolen from Dovecote Road, Upwell (reference 36/17203/23)

This week, on Tuesday 14^th March between 11.00pm and 11.45pm a white Land Rover Discovery EM54 GNS was stolen from Keene Road, King’s Lynn (reference 36/18729/23)

On Wednesday 15^th March another was taken from Upwell. This time, shortly after 5.30pm a Land Rover Discovery KL68NWA was taken from St Peters Road (reference 36/18904/23)

Anyone with information can contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting the relevant crime number and ask to speak to Operation Moonshot or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

A/Inspector Dan Edwards, based at Downham Market said: "We are urging car owners to be vigilant as we believe these vehicles were stolen using a remote device and are linked.

"There are a number of steps you can take to help prevent keyless thefts and reduce the risks of becoming a victim of this type of crime which we outline in our tips below.”

Advice on preventing keyless vehicle thefts:

Following a rise across the eastern region in thieves using more sophisticated techniques to gain access to keyless entry/start button cars, we are issuing advice to help you keep your vehicle secure and protect you from becoming a victim of crime.

Following some of these steps will help to protect your vehicle:

• Use a good quality crook lock or full cover steering wheel security lock to immobilise your vehicle
• Consider fitting an ‘OBD safe’ device, a secure lockable device that fits over the vehicle’s on board diagnostic port, in the vehicle cabin. This prevents criminals using software to code an electronic key for the vehicle
• If your vehicle is fitted with on board wi-fi consider switching this facility off, if you do not need it, which will reduce the chance of criminals hacking into the vehicle’ system; your banking details or personal data from linked devices
• Criminals can also employ remote/keyless entry jamming equipment; so make sure your car is locked physically by trying the door handle and viewing the indicators flash, before leaving it.

Use car key signal blocker cases/sleeves, which cost less than £10, or an aluminium tin at home.  Find a safe place for your keys at home and check to ensure they are out of range.