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Dear Resident Having your vehicle stolen or broken into can be very distressing. Below are a few simple steps to keep your vehicle and what’s in it 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. Key Programming Key programming is being used by criminals to assign a new key to vehicles, by plugging a device into the on board diagnostic port (OBD) of the vehicle. The OBD port will in most cases be located in the driver’s footwell. Criminals will gain entry into your vehicle then plug into this port and programme a blank key to the vehicle. Always make sure that your vehicle is locked and secure when leaving it unattended.Consider having an OBD lock guard professionally fitted.Electronic OBD security is available – seek the main dealer’s advice. Kind Regards PCSO Gill Whittingham | 
