Warning to drivers as car hacking rises Hertfordshire Constabulary are warning drivers to take extra precautions with their vehicles following a rise in the number of cars stolen using specialised hacking equipment. The number of car thefts, particularly of high value newer models such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes, using electronic devices, which can either hack a car’s encryption code or jam the central locking signal, has risen significantly across the country this year. Crime Prevention Officer Ian Dowse said: “In Hertfordshire as in other areas, high value vehicles are being stolen without keys, which may indicate criminals are using devices to start the vehicle. We would recommend fitting a disc steering wheel lock and a dual band tracking device to ‘Secured by Design’ standards, to enable the vehicle to be tracked. Also make sure that doors are actually locked after using remote central locking, or manually lock your doors using the key. “Wherever possible keep vehicles in a garage or on a driveway, and ensure that the vehicle keys are never left with a third party such as valet parking schemes, car washes or people coming to test drive a car when it is being sold etc.” These are some other step you can take to help prevent becoming a victim of car crime: •It might sound obvious, but make sure you lock the doors and shut the windows and sunroof whenever you leave your vehicle unattended. •Remove your Sat Nav and its holder, and wipe away any suction marks as these could suggest to a potential thief that a Sat Nav is stored in your vehicle. •Never leave any valuables in your vehicle – not even in the glove-box or boot - and keep ALL other possessions out of sight. •Use an approved steering lock or gear clamp, and remember to set your immobiliser and alarm if you have them. •Register your stereo, laptop, Sat Nav and any other property on the free online property database immobilise. It only takes a few minutes and could help police trace your property if it’s lost or stolen. •Look out for car parks with a Park Mark Safer Parking sign which have recognised levels of security. If you have a garage at home, make sure you use it and lock it properly. For more detailed security advice, please visit herts.police.uk or contact us on 101.
Posted on: Tue, 13 May 2014 10:33:06 +0000
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