Motorists in the Four Oaks area have been warned to be vigilant after police received five reports in the last seven days of vehicles being stolen in the area.

Vehicle theft in the area has been a constant problem recently and now West Midlands Police has offered the following advice to keep vehicles safe

Cars & Vans

• Leaving items on show is an invitation – power leads, SatNavs and mounts, stereo front panels, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the vehicle or places out of sight.
• Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach – a common way to steal a car or a van is to take the keys from the ignition fob, either when left in the vehicle or from your home through burglary.
• Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when unattended – on the drive, the petrol station forecourt or when parking. An unlocked vehicle is the easiest way to steal or steal from. When away from home, consider using a Park Mark approved car park.
• Fit theft resistant number plate fittings – stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure plates.
• Consider using a steering wheel lock – or a lock that fits over the gear lever. Alternatively a security box can be fitted over the pedals to prevent thefts when the vehicle is parked up.

Relay Theft

Vehicles fitted with a smart or passive key are susceptible to relay theft. The key system allows you to gain entry and start your vehicle without the need to interact with your vehicle’s key.

Criminals use specialist equipment that has the ability to grab the signal from the car to the smart key so that it appears to the car that the key is present. Your vehicle is most vulnerable overnight, particularly if parked on your driveway or directly outside your home.

How to prevent this:

·  When not in use – either at home or when out and about – store your key in a security pouch. Security pouches are sometimes termed Faraday bags or signal blockers/shields and there are many security rated versions on the market. These pouches will prevent the signal from your vehicle being captured using electronic devices.

·  Remember to secure both keys in a security pouch.

Vehicle Tracking

Some vehicles have tracking standards, but you can install an approved aftermarket vehicle tracker, search Thatcam website foe independently tested products.

Manufacturers Advice

Check with your main dealer that – regardless of the age of the vehicle – it has had all its recalls completed and software and firmware updated. Also ask your main dealer what latest security measures can be retrofitted to older vehicles.

https://www.securedbydesign.com

https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/advice-centre/crime-reduction/home-security/