Police warning after string of keyless car thefts

Police have issued a warning to drivers after a string of keyless car thefts in a town in Nottinghamshire.

A total of 12 cars have been stolen over the course of two weeks in the north Worksop area, according to Nottinghamshire Police.

Cars including BMWs and Mercedes have been taken.

Police said it is believed thieves used handheld remote devices, also called relay devices, to steal the vehicles without needing to touch the key.

The devices scan for a nearby key signal, which is then transmitted to the targeted car, which makes the vehicle think the key is present.

The force said this could happen in less than 30 seconds.

It said drivers could protect themselves by using signal blocking key purses, steering locks, and storing keys away from windows or doors.

It added that some vehicles allow you to turn off the keyless entry option and still use the push-button central locking function on your key fob.

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