POLICE in Winchester are warning people about a growing trend in keyless car thefts. 

Thieves can connect to the key’s signal from outside the property to trick the car into unlocking and the ignition starting.

This is done with a device that doesn’t need entry into the owner’s home.

Three incidents were recently reported to police in villages around Winchester. A police spokesman said: "Between 11pm on March 1 and 7am on March 2, a Land Rover Discovery was stolen from an address near the A33, near Micheldever. The car was later located in Tadley (44240091474).

"Between 10.30pm on March 2 and 9am on March 3, a Land Rover Discovery was stolen from an address on Sciviers Lane in Lower Upham (44240092726).

"Just before midnight on March 3, a Land Rover Velar was stolen from an address on Norlands Drive in Otterbourne (44240093651)."

Winchester northern beat officer Tom Harries said: “It has been identified that keyless car thefts are becoming a problem within Winchester. This is commonly where people will use relay systems, creating a connection between your car keys within the house, to your car, allowing the car to be unlocked, started and driven away.

“These incidents have been noted across the whole of Hampshire, with a couple of incidents happening inside Winchester.

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“Although no specific car seems to be targeted, there is a common trend that the vehicles most likely to be taken are BMWs, Land Rovers, and Mercedes.

“If you are fortunate enough to own a keyless car, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your vehicle, but it’s important to use a combination of methods and utilise locks and other items to deter thieves and protect yourself to the greatest extent possible.

“Keep keys out of sight and away from doors and windows; use a signal blocking pouch, known as a Faraday Bag to store your keys; turn off your keyless fob’s wireless signal; re-programme your keys if you buy a second hand car; park securely or use your garage if you have one; and use CCTV and lighting.”