Police issue warning after four keyless vehicle incidents in Spalding

Police have issued a warning to keyless vehicle owners after a spate of incidents in Spalding.

Officers say four high-powered vehicles were targeted by thieves in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday, February 28).

Police say the culprits are using relay equipment to boost the signal of an electronic car key within the home, to open a vehicle outside. They are doing this by holding an antenna towards the property.

Thieves targeted a Volvo vehicle on Osier Road at about 2.40am but were unsuccessful in stealing the vehicle.

Several hours later a blue BMW 840I M SPORT was stolen from Carrington Close at around 6.40am – and a grey Audi Q4 E-TRON was taken around 15 minutes later from Larkspur Way in Spalding.

Thieves also tried to steal an Audi from what was described by police as a ‘nearby road’ at 9.20am.

Officers believe these four incidents are linked.

A force spokesman said: “We’ve also seen a rise in the number of car theft attempts and while unsuccessful, we wish to warn our communities and highlight steps you can take to remain safe.

“Vehicle owners can purchase a faraday bag, which are used to block electromagnetic fields and stop criminals from accessing electronic car keys remotely.

“Those with Secured by Design accreditation work best.

“You can check the effectiveness of the bag by securing the keys inside and walking towards the vehicle and checking it doesn’t unlock.

“Additionally, some key fobs can be ‘turned off’ but individual vehicle owners will need to check if this is possible with manufacturers and local dealerships.

“The use of CCTV can also act as a deterrent and valuable evidence gathering tool for police if your vehicle is targeted.

“Wheel locks can also render your vehicle immobile and difficult for thieves to bypass.

“Officers in the area are doing everything they can to bring the thieves to justice and are pursuing all lines of enquiry available to them.

“We don’t wish to spark alarm, but we do want people to be safe and equipped with the knowledge they need to protect their property.”

An unrelated incident saw a grey Landrover Discovery stolen from Pilgrim Hospital car park in Boston at around 7am, though a different method may have been used by thieves.

This follows incidents in the Stamford, Bourne and Deeping area.

A spokesman added: “We are investigating these crimes and would welcome any information from members of the public.

“If you’ve seen these vehicles in these areas at these times, please get in touch. Or if you know where they are or have information that could help us locate these vehicles, contact us.”

You can call 101 or contact DC Matt Wharton by emailing matt.wharton@lincs.police.uk.

The incident numbers for the Spalding incidents are – in order of occurrence - 29, 57, 63 and 119 of February 28.