Dear Resident,

I am writing to you following a number of vehicles being stolen across Cherwell and West Oxfordshire whereby vehicles that operate on a keyless system are being targeted.

Offenders who are targeting these vehicles are doing so by putting themselves in close proximity to residential properties and then using a device and a laptop to intercept the signal from the remote sensor on the key which gains them access to the vehicle and allows them to start the engine and drive away. The signal from these keys can be intercepted in as little as one minute.

You can make it harder for offenders to intercept the signal by putting vehicle keys in a metal tin or a faraday box/pouch and keeping the keys away from the front of your property. Also, by being aware of the location of your spare keys and where possible protecting these in the same way. 

Additionally, where possible you can protect your vehicles by making them harder for offenders to take. Prevention methods include parking other vehicles in front of keyless vehicles, the use of steering locks and installing security posts/bollards on your driveway.

If you have any queries in relation to this, please contact your local neighbourhood policing team. You can find out who this is by typing your postcode into our website Home | Thames Valley Police.

Further crime prevention advice can be found on: Crime prevention advice | Thames Valley Police