Dear Resident

There has recently been a spate of keyless car thefts in a central Windsor location. Due to this, we are asking all residents to be mindful how and where your car keys are being stored. Whilst these offences have been targeted in Windsor, we would like to advise all residents in RBWM to follow these simple rules to protect your vehicle…

Keep the keys safe

Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox.

If you're selling your car and you meet up with a potential buyer, do not allow the keys out of your sight. Your keys may be cloned by thieves and used later to steal your vehicle.

Keyless entry 

Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry.

Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.

Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it is inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.

How to protect your keyless entry car

Additional physical security such as locks and immobilisers are still highly recommended.

Double-check electronic locking

Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away.

If unsure, lock it manually, then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around. If a potential thief who is watching feels they have been spotted, they will probably move off.

Useful links

For more information about police preferred specification products that help to reduce the chances of vehicle crime please visit:

Secured by Design (SBD)

Sold Secure

Thatcham Research