The number of vehicles thefts has surged in Hertfordshire compared to 2022.
An increase of 11 per cent has been seen during the period of April 1 to August 9, 2023, when compared to the same period last year.
Hertfordshire police believe that "signal jacking devices" are being utilised by thieves, to clone vehicle-owner's key fob signals.
READ MORE
- Letchworth man's fright at finding a snake in his garden
- New barbecue restaurant coming to Hitchin's former Prezzo unit
Dacorum, Three Rivers and East Herts areas saw the biggest increase, as listed below:
- Dacorum: 140 offences compared to 66 in 2022. An increase of 112 per cent.
- Three Rivers: 85 offences compared to 49 in 2022. An increase of 75 per cent.
- East Herts: 95 offences compared to 76 in 2022. An increase of 25 per cent.
Darren Cowell, a Hertfordshire Constabulary crime prevention officer, said: "There’s been an increase in vehicle thefts this year.
"Keyless entry vehicles have been targeted by criminals using signal jacking devices, which can pick up the fob signal and use it to unlock and start vehicles.
Get more stories like this delivered to your inbox every week by signing up to our newsletter.
"Using a signal blocking fob pouch or storing your fob in a metal box will help prevent theft of keyless vehicles.
"Also using a good quality steering wheel lock can be an effective deterrent.”
Further crime prevention advice can be found on the Hertfordshire Constabulary website: www.herts.police.uk/protectyourvehicle
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here