Spate of Swindon car thefts prompts warning
Car owners in North Swindon are being urged to be vigilant following a series of recent vehicle thefts.
They have all taken place in the area over the past three weeks, with the latest at around 4am on Friday, July 24, when a car was taken from the driveway of a house in Standen Way.
The two suspects are believed to be linked to two further incidents, one on the same date at around 3.30am when the two men were seen acting suspiciously around a vehicle in Ensor Close before being disturbed.
The third incident occurred on Friday, July 17, when a car was stolen from outside a house in Garnet Crescent at around 3.30am.
Wiltshire Police are advising people to bear in mind some crime prevention points which could prevent a vehicle that uses the keyless system from being taken:
· Put the key card/fob in a Faraday case/pouch to block any transmissions
· Park the vehicle in a locked garage
· Install a parking post/bollard on the driveway
· Use an additional steering lock
· If you have a second, non-keyless vehicle, park that behind the high value one
· Check if your keyless fobs can be switched off
· Check with your car dealership as they can offer advice and the manufacturer/dealer can often track the vehicle if it is stolen.
PC Pedro Wiltshire said: “In cases like these, thieves manage to get into and drive the vehicle off by using a transmitting device which mimics the keyless fob.
“We’d urge vehicle owners about being extra vigilant and aware of this type of crime and where they leave their keys overnight.
“These measures are all about preventing the opportunist thieves and are all fairly cheap and simple measures to stop offenders.”
Contact Gi Swindon
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
Follows us on Facebook for all the latest local stories, breaking news and to join the conversation