MERSEYSIDE Police has said that there have been numerous reports of vehicle theft in St Helens over the past few weeks.

In a statement on social media, police gave out the warning to drivers across the borough due to an increase in keyless heft of vehicles.

Some modern vehicles now have a keyless-entry system that allows drivers to get into and start their car without having to fumble for a key.

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This is done by using short-range radio waves that transmit signals between the key and the signal in the vehicle.

However, criminals often target cars with keyless entry as they can use equipment that picks up the signal from the key fob while it's in the owner’s home.

With incidents on the rise in St Helens, officers have issued advice on how to prevent vehicle theft.

Advice to prevent vehicle theft:

  • Ensure your vehicle is locked overnight
  • If your vehicle has keyless unlocking/starting - put your keys, including any spares, in a sealed metal container or a faraday case. Also, turn off wireless signals on your fob when not being used
  • Invest in additional security measures such as an approved steering lock, or a clutch pedal security device
  • Consider installing security lighting and cctv cameras
  • Avoid parking in dark and secuded areas

Police officers added to make sure that all suspicious activity is reported to 999 in an emergency, or by calling 101 for all other instances.