RESIDENTS are being warned that thieves are targeting cars with keyless entry systems.

Cars in Whiston have been stolen by crooks, who are also hitting other parts of Knowsley.

Police have warned owners of cars with keyless entry systems to ensure their fobs are stored safely in a Faraday bag.

Cloning signals

Detectives have warned previously that offenders have found a way to clone wireless key signals from car fobs inside homes.

This means it enables them to open the vehicle on the driveway, start the engine and drive the vehicle away.

The criminal can avoid having to break into homes to steal key fobs.

Police have previously warned of incidents in St Helens and Merseyside, with thefts occurring overnight between 1am and 6am, as well as between 4pm and 8pm in the evenings.

Ford, BMW, Mini and Volkswagen vehicles have been among those taken. In many cases though, police have recovered cars and returned them to their owners.

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Faraday Bags/ or signal blocking cases are used for keeping keys inside.

These block the signal from the fob. The bags or cases are relatively inexpensive – costing as little as around £5 - and are widely available online.

Additional security devices, such as mechanical steering locks, driveway posts, wheel clamps and trackers are also effective in protecting vehicles from thieves.

Other tips

• Contact your dealer and check if your vehicle has any outstanding software updates, which may improve security
• Check if the keyless fob can be turned off/on, your dealer can confirm and advise how to do this

• If you have a vehicle that is not keyless, it would be advisable to park this in front of the keyless vehicle.
• Be vigilant, and report any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood to the police

Anyone with information about vehicle crime is urged to DM @MerPolCC or message