What do we want the public to know?

Keyless car systems are convenient, but they can be targeted by thieves if simple precautions aren’t taken.

Most modern vehicles use key fobs that communicate with the car using radio frequency (RF) signals. These signals allow doors to unlock and engines to start without inserting a key.

How keyless entry works:

Your key fob sends a coded radio signal to the vehicle
The vehicle checks the code matches its system
If recognised, the doors unlock or the engine starts
Many newer cars use “rolling codes”, changing the signal each time for added security
Some vehicles unlock automatically when the fob is nearby – meaning the key doesn’t need to be touched
The risk:
Criminals can use equipment to relay or amplify the signal from a key fob inside a home, allowing them to unlock and steal a vehicle without forcing entry.

How do we want the public to feel?

Reassured that this crime can be prevented
Confident that small steps make a big difference
Supported by their local Safer Neighbourhood Team

This advice forms part of our ongoing work to reduce vehicle crime and protect residents as part of national NPCC vehicle crime prevention activity and local neighbourhood priorities.

What do we want the public to do?

Protect your vehicle by taking simple steps:

Store keys in a Faraday pouch at home and when out
Keep spare keys protected too
Avoid leaving keys near doors or windows
Lock your car and check it has locked
A Faraday bag blocks radio signals, preventing criminals from accessing your vehicle electronically. Many police forces issue or recommend these as a proven crime‑prevention measure.

Have concerns or seen suspicious behaviour in your area?
Get in touch with your local Safer Neighbourhood Team via
www.neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk

FRAUD ALERT

We have been made aware of an incident where a person has been contacted by a male who identified himself as a Police Officer, saying he was from the Economic and Cyber Crime Division.

During the conversation the male stated that they had someone in custody, who had been stopped attempting to leave the UK and that the victim’s ID and other personal information had been found on this person. The caller was able to give the victim personal information and asked other questions relating to Cryptocurrency. The caller later asked the victim to attend their local station the following day to confirm their identity.

These callers can sound very convincing and use official sounding names, badge numbers and on this occasion even provided a Report Fraud reference number to the victim.

What to do….

If someone calls you claiming to be a Police Officer, before giving any personal information, STOP. Ask them to confirm their Name, Collar Number and which Police Service they are from. Say that you will contact them back. Hang up and call 101 asking for the Police Service they stated and confirm their identity with the control room.

Genuine Police calls will never be concerned with you confirming identity before proceeding with the call.

If they have called you on a landline we would recommend you wait at least 15 minutes and where possible call from a different phone. There have been cases where fraudsters keep the line open after the victim has hung up and even playing a false dial tone. If you are unable to use a different phone, try calling a friend or family to make sure the fraudster is no longer on the line.

Genuine Police will never ask you to confirm banking or cryptocurrency details, identification (such as passport number) PIN codes or passwords.

Genuine Police will never ask you to withdraw or transfer funds from one account to another.

If you have received a call similar to this, please report it to Report Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Please share this advice with family and friends.