Luxury cars swiped in spate of keyless car thefts

A photo of a person holding a car key with their left hand and holding the door handle of a black car. Image source, Getty Images
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There have been seven keyless car thefts in Lincolnshire so far in November

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Numerous luxury cars have been swiped in a spate of keyless car thefts across Lincolnshire, police have said.

Since the start of November there have been seven car thefts, including three Lexus', two BMWs and two Mercedes', as well as an attempted theft of a Porsche Cayenne.

The thefts took place in Lincoln, Boston, Gainsborough and Sleaford.

Lincolnshire Police said there had been an increase in such thefts, which usually occurred between midnight and 04:00 GMT, and believed them to be the work of an organised crime group.

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

Even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.

There are multiple ways to protect vehicles from keyless car theft:

  • Keep your car key (and spare key) away from the car while at home

  • Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday bag

  • Re-programme your keys if you buy a second-hand car

  • Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used

  • Use steering or pedal locks

  • Park in car garages where feasible.

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