West Midlands Police are urging residents to enhance their security measures following a rise in car key burglaries in the region. Thieves are targeting vehicles indiscriminately, regardless of the time of day.
Authorities advise securing homes by ensuring all entry points such as front, back, and side doors are locked, and windows are closed when the house is unoccupied. It is also recommended to activate home alarms to protect valuables.
Residents should verify that their door locks are snap-resistant, identified by a three-star Kite Mark. If locks do not meet this standard, they should be replaced with SS312 Diamond Approved Cylinders, TS007 3 Star Kitemarked Cylinders, or a combination of 1 Star Cylinder with 2 Star handle for optimal security.
To further safeguard against theft, keys should be stored away from doors and windows. Owners of cars with Keyless Entry and Start systems are at risk of ‘Relay Attacks’, which can allow thieves to steal cars in under 60 seconds. Placing keys in a Faraday pouch, which blocks electromagnetic signals, can prevent such incidents. Additionally, attaching a location tracker to car keys is advised.
Vehicle security should also be double-checked; ensuring that the car is locked, installing a steering lock, and activating the car alarm are critical steps. Regularly reviewing insurance policies and consulting vehicle manufacturers for security updates are also recommended to ensure comprehensive protection against car theft.